The Impact of the Creative Capital Creator Fund: Empowering Diverse Voices on Kickstarter

Since its launch in 2021, the Creative Capital Creator Fund has aimed to bring innovative, impactful projects by diverse creators to life on Kickstarter. This powerful initiative, driven by Creative Capital and supported by the Skoll and Mellon Foundations, set aside $700,000 to fuel visionary projects led by Asian, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx creators across the United States.

Through Forward Funds, an initiative where foundations, nonprofits, and organizations can come to Kickstarter to support underfunded areas of the creator community, Creative Capital allocated funds to projects that align with these organizations' visions and values: supporting creativity, sustainability, and equity. Each fund application aimed to cover up to 10% of a project’s funding goal, with a cap of $10,000. These contributions provided creators with the momentum needed to achieve their funding goals and helped amplify the visibility of their work.

Supporting 800 Projects and Inspiring 147,000 Backers

Now that the total amount of the fund has been distributed, we’re happy to share that nearly 800 projects were supported through the Forward Fund, with over 147,000 backers rallying to bring these diverse ideas to life. 

Altogether, creators raised over $13 million for projects spanning art, technology, film, community initiatives, and more. By fueling these projects, the fund didn’t just help creators meet their funding goals; it enabled these innovators to inspire meaningful change within their communities, launch never-before seen ideas, and put their ideas into action. 

About Our Forward Funders

Creative Capital: Since 1999, Creative Capital has pioneered a grant-making model that combines funding with support structures to nurture the long-term careers of artists. Their approach has not only impacted individual artists but reshaped the arts ecosystem, inspiring other nonprofits to invest in sustainable artistic careers.

Skoll Foundation: Founded by Jeff Skoll in 1999, the Skoll Foundation aims to catalyze transformational social change by supporting social entrepreneurs who create bold, equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

Mellon Foundation: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is dedicated to fostering just communities enriched by the arts and humanities, where ideas and imagination can flourish. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty and freedom of artistic expression.

Empowering the Next Generation of Creators

The impact of the Creative Capital Creator Fund is far-reaching, but this is just the beginning. As Kickstarter continues to partner with foundations and organizations committed to creative equity, we look forward to empowering even more creators to turn their ideas into reality.