People have been raising special pools of money long before Kickstarter showed up on center stage. In fact, housewives half a century ago (and wives today in ethnic communities) continue to pool in a flat sum each month. They’ll chip in anywhere from $25 to a $100 dollars, a comfortably affordable amount, with the understanding that each month it goes to one of the ladies. Each woman gets her turn, ensuring that through the course of the year she’ll at one point receive considerable chunk of change. It’s a one-time lump sum (that would otherwise be challenging to save throughout the year) which the women can either funnel into private savings or toward a special purchase. If you consider that the average group of this sort contains about 12 women with each chipping in $100, you can see the appeal in this vintage crowdfunding idea that guarantees you an average of $1200 yearly.

Age of crowfunding ideas come and go. Kickstarter has just done a better job of marketing itself. Yet Kickstarter might not be for everyone. Quite frankly, your campaign type might not be suited for the platform or your specific audience might fare better drawn to one of the many other platforms out there, including any number of the ones listed here. In addition to [1] Razoo and [2] GoFundMe, both of which are great all around platforms, you’ve also got the best in the following categories.

Best for Startup Ventures and Tech Developments Needs
For the tech-minded business looking to launch the next must-have mobile app, [3] appbackr has a great platform. Similarly, there’s also [4] Crowdfunder and [5] AngelList. Both are perfect for tech companies or startups looking to attract angel investors. It’s also rated highly for philanthropic social enterprise.
Best for Philanthropic Needs
On the subject of philanthropic enterprise, [6] Crowdrise is a pretty good bet should your company look to start up or partake in any charitable ventures. Crowdrise is all about charitable causes.
Best for Small Businesses
[7] Indiegogo is a donation-based fundraising site that allows campaigns for just about any goal. While Kickstarter is more creatively oriented and selective in which project appears there, Indiegogo is great for needs that qualify outside the creative niche. You could use the platform to help prevent you mom and pop shop from shutting down, or help fund a new service or outreach campaign. It’s a pretty safe bet for a small business that doesn’t fall in the creative sphere.

A great option for if your business is faltering, [8] Somolend is a worthwhile lending site for US-based small businesses. According to Forbes, Somolend offers “debt-based investment funding to qualified businesses with existing operations and revenue.” The platform has also “partnered with banks to provide loans, as well as helping small business owners bring their friends and family into the effort.”

Best for Connecting Idea Makers with Movers and Shakers
If you do have a wildly creative idea, then you might fare well with [9] RocketHub. The platform also stands apart in its ability to connect campaign managers with marketing partners. Maybe there’s a company out there that would love to get on board and partner or help you with your campaign. If you think there’s any sort of possibility for this, or are looking to attract partners, then RocketHub is best bet.

If you have an invention, then consider opting for [10] Quirky – a site that excels in connecting inventors with the resources they need to bring their idea to life. And if none of the above platforms suit your needs, you can always work to develop your own crowdfunding community through [11] Invested. In – a company that gives you the means and tools to get started on creating a custom niche for your crowdfunding needs.

Author Bio:

by Shireen Qudosi

Shireen Qudosi is Benchmark Email's Online Marketing Specialist and Small Business Advocate. An Orange County based writer, Shireen specializes in online marketing and public relations. She has written for over 75 publications and has launched nine successful new media campaigns to date. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Denver Post, the Oklahoman and Green Air Radio, among others.