Crowdfunding is a timely and efficient means for a large pool of potential financial donors, sponsors, contributors or investors to provide financial support to a mutually desirable project or venture via a web-based platform. The type of projects or ventures financially backed by crowd funding initiatives include social impact projects, political campaigns, emergency relief, commercial campaigns, artistic works and startup companies. Crowd funding fits within the crowd sourcing concept in that the solicitation of financial contributions can be cost-effectively accomplished through globally-scaled online and social media channels. Additional benefits associated with crowdfunding include enhanced ability to develop innovative solutions, gather market intelligence, garner idea or product validation, improved branding and increase efficiencies.