Seeder FAQ

HOW IT WORKS

What is Cedar Seeder?
Cedar Seeder is a website managed by The Cedar Cultural Center, Inc (501c3) in Minneapolis, MN, built by Advantage Labs, Inc, and made possible with a donation from the McKnight Foundation. The website exists to advertise, support, and raise money for creative art projects, primarily ones that are music-related and in Minnesota. Cedar Seeder operates with an all-or-nothing funding method: Projects that are not fully-funded by the specified due date aren't launched, and no money changes hands.

What is all or nothing funding?
A given Cedar Seeder project must be fully funded before its due date or the pledges to that project do not go through. This ensures that all funded projects can be completed. If the artist or organization doesn't receive the funding they need, the projects won't be launched.

Why do people support projects?
People support projects in part because each project offers gifts, rewards, and perks and specific giving levels. More importantly, we want people to support projects because they get to be a part of something really special and interesting: You get to help make cool stuff happen! The stories of these projects will be told through blog posts, pics, and videos, and supporters will receive email updates on project progress.

Does The Cedar take a cut of the fundraising monies?
No. All money goes to the described project.

Does The Cedar take some percentage of ownership or intellectual property of things made through Cedar Seeder?
No. Project creators keep 100% ownership of their work.

Who can fund their project on Cedar Seeder?
Cedar Seeder supports creative projects, most which are music-related and in Minnesota. A project is an activity, event, or creation with a clear beginning and end. A volunteer committee oversees Cedar Seeder project activity to ensure that the projects are on track and expectations are being met. Cedar Seeder is not a place for soliciting donations to causes, charity projects, or general business expenses.

How do I start a project?
Email adorn@thecedar.org indicating your interest. In the near future, we will have an application available for download and an official application process.

PAYMENTS

How do I pledge?
To pledge to a project, click the purple “support this project” button on any project page. You will be asked to input your pledge amount. Your credit card will not be charged until the due date, and will only be charged if the project raises the required funds.

If I make a pledge, when is my card charged?
If the project you’re supporting is successfully funded, your card will be charged when the project reaches its funding deadline. If the project does not reach its funding goal, your card is never charged.

What happens if a project doesn't raise enough pledges?
If funding fails, all pledges are canceled.

What if I want to pledge anonymously?
We don't currently have an anonymous pledge feature. You are free to choose any username you wish, though, so you could anonymize that way if you would like. Otherwise, we hope you're okay with showing your name and support.

Is my pledge amount publicly displayed?
No. Only you and the project creator will be able to see your pledge amount.

If I make a pledge, what info does the project creator receive?
Project creators see your username and your pledge amount. If funding succeeds we'll also give the project creator your email address.

Do I get notified if a project I'm backing succeeds?
We’ll send you an email when funding ends, no matter the outcome.

Can I pay with a check or send cash by mail?
Sorry, Cedar Seeder only supports credit card payments through the website.

Can I cancel a pledge?
By pledging, you are committing to supporting that person’s project; canceling that commitment is discouraged. If you must cancel, contact adorn@thecedar.org.

Are pledges tax deductible?
If a project creator has 501c3 status, then a pledge may be tax exempt. For example, the projects that are for Cedar programs or facility improvements are tax deductible.