Challenge: Flexible Use vs. Implied Obligation

If you offer things like “lifetime access” or “venue perks”, but then the venue doesn’t happen, you may be seen as obligated to refund or deliver something equivalent.

Even if Kickstarter doesn't require you to refund (they leave that up to backer-backee resolution), you’ll lose goodwill and possibly face public blowback.

Solution: Frame the Project as a Mission, Not a Transaction

You want to avoid implying conditionality. Instead, frame the ask like this:

“We’re building a place — a node, a nexus, a haven — and it may take more than one site to get there. This campaign supports that vision. Even if our first site doesn’t work out, your support pushes the mission forward.”

That gives you the flexibility to:

• Shift buildings if needed
• Pivot the project while keeping donor funds
• Avoid promising specific tangible rewards tied to one location

🧠 Tactics to Preserve Flexibility

Here’s how you legally and emotionally safeguard the right to pivot:

1. Use “Support the Mission” Language

Make it clear: this is about helping launch the movement, not buying a product.

“This is a mission to birth a community-powered space in Northeast Wisconsin — and this campaign builds the runway.”

2. Structure Rewards as Symbolic, Not Performance-Based

Avoid perks that depend on a physical space existing.