If you’d like to start your own crowdfunding platform, there are a few routes that you can take for the actual technology behind the platform. In this post, I’ve outlined a few of the better wordpress crowdfunding themes out there that you can use for a rewards-based crowdfunding site like Kickstarter or a donation-based site like these.
However, I think you’ll find that setting up a crowdfunding platform isn’t the hard part. The difficult part is getting actual projects for your new platform and growing it into a successful business. I’ve provided a few thoughts on how to do that.
If you are unfamiliar with WordPress, it’s a very easy way to set up a new website and themes are a great way to set up a specific kind of website.
I use WordPress for the majority of my websites and still use BlueHost as a hosting provider. I really like their one-click wordpress install!
1. FundingPress
Visit the theme | View the demo
The FundingPress theme makes it easy to set up your own crowdfunding website. As the Admin, you can let users withdraw their funds immediately or only if they’ve run a successful campaign.
Campaign creators get paid via PayPal by default with this theme. The theme also includes social login features, WePay integration, and a responsive design.
2. Franklin
Visit the theme | View the demo
You can use the Franklin theme to create a rewards-based crowdfunding website for creative projects or a donation-based site for causes and nonprofits.
For those technical among us, the theme is built on top of two free open source plugins, Easy Digital Downloads and Crowdfunding by Astoundify. Campaign creators can are paid via PayPal and the theme can also integrate with WePay and Stripe.
3. Backer – The Modern WordPress Theme
Visit the theme | View the demo
Backer is built on top of the IgnitionDeck plugin and features a fully responsive and minimalistic design. The theme is highly customizable in terms of color and a customizable project grid.
If you’re curious about the front-end submission process, you can also check it out when you visit the theme using the provided guest login and password.
4. Startup Idea – WordPress Theme
Visit the theme | View the demo
The Startup Idea can be used to create a site for business crowdfunding or to raise money for creative projects. The themes comes with a dashboard, which shows the admin total projects, sales, pending projects, and more. In addition, it integrates with PayPal for easy payments.
I really like the design of the site. It makes me think of a combination between Quirky and Kickstarter.
5. Unity – WordPress Crowdfunding Theme
Visit the theme | View the demo
The Unity wordpress theme integrates with easy digital downloads and crowdfunding by astoundify to create a unique platform. There is a “visual composer” which features drag-and-drop functionality, a color customizer, and a revolution slider.
You would use this theme to create more of a donation-based fundraising website.
6. Be Human – Charity Crowdfunding & Store Theme
Visit the theme | View the demo
The “Be Human” theme is a great option for charities and nonprofits that want to set up an online fundraising platform. There is built-in event, ecommerce, and crowdfunding or donation-making functionality.
This is a responsive theme and was created using Twitter bootstrap.
7. Act – Multipurpose Nonprofit Theme
Visit the theme | View the demo
You can use the Act theme to create a nonprofit crowdfunding or online fundraising website. The theme includes an event listing page, a blog, donate section, and shop pages.
The theme also comes with some awesome color customization options and the ability to choose whether or not to display a revolving slider on the homepage.
8. Mission – Crowdfunding and Commerce for Churches
Visit the theme | View the demo
Mission is a cool wordpress theme for churches that you can use to set up a crowdfunding website for your congregation. One of the things I like about this theme is the variety of color options and the ability to buy books and listen to podcasts through the website.
With so many churches still stuck in the old-school way of charitable giving and suffering from the lack of a modern website that will resonate with their congregation, this theme shows that you can have a good-looking online presence for less than $100.
9. Kickstars
Visit the theme | View the demo
Kickstars was primarily built as the framework of a crowdfunding website for businesses.
“Kickstars is a HTML5 template for a website which allows online sales of small stock to a huge pool of investors”
Keep in mind that this theme consists of 12 HTML files and does not appear to be a full-fledged WordPress theme and as complete as the others I’ve included in this list.
10. Funder
Visit the theme | View the demo
Funder is a more affordable option to create a crowdfunding site. However, take note that the entire theme is a one page HTML template.
“Funder offers different versions including a 2 to 4 columns, a google map a gallery and a project page.”
11. Candidate – Political/Nonprofit WordPress Theme
Visit the theme | View the demo
Finally, the Candidate wordpress theme is a good option if you’re trying to build a political action website and are looking to raise money for particular causes. The functionality can also be used to start a nonprofit crowdfunding platform (the demo shows what it would look like).
Similar to the Mission and Act themes, this wordpress template gives admins the ability to create an events section, an online shop, and feature pledge drives or donation-based projects.
Confused how to set up a website?
Yeah, I was too when I first started with WordPress. I’ve put together a short tutorial as to how to set up a wordpress website on my personal blog here. Hope it’s helpful!
Also, if I left out any themes or you have a question, let me know through a comment on this article!
