Patreon
Patreon
Description
Patreon is a membership platform that helps creators earn recurring revenue directly from their audience. While not traditional startup funding, Patreon enables sustainable income for content creators, educators, developers, and tool builders who serve a community. Top creators earn $10,000-$500,000+ per month through patron subscriptions.
For ZHC builders creating educational content, developer tools, open-source projects, or community resources, Patreon provides a path to sustainable funding without dilution. Unlike one-time grants, Patreon creates predictable monthly recurring revenue (MRR) that grows with your audience. The platform works best for creators with engaged followings who want exclusive content, early access, or direct support.
Eligibility
Creator Categories
- Writers & Journalists - Newsletters, analysis, reporting
- Podcasters - Audio content, interviews, shows
- Video Creators - YouTubers, educators, streamers
- Developers - Open source, tools, documentation
- Musicians - Artists, composers, producers
- Educators - Courses, tutorials, coaching
- Artists - Illustrators, animators, designers
Basic Requirements
- Content or value to offer patrons
- Ability to deliver ongoing benefits
- Payment method for receiving funds
- Compliance with Patreon content guidelines
Not Suitable For
- One-time product sales (use Kickstarter/Indiegogo)
- Equity fundraising (not an investment platform)
- B2B SaaS without community component
ZHC-Specific Fit
✅ Excellent for:
- Open source developers seeking sustainable funding
- AI/tech educators creating courses/tutorials
- Newsletter writers covering emerging tech
- Tool builders with engaged user communities
- Building audience before product launch
❌ Poor fit if:
- Building traditional VC-backed startup
- No content or community to monetize
- One-time funding needs only
- Not willing to maintain ongoing relationship with supporters
Application Process
Getting Started
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Create page | Day 1 | Set up creator profile and tiers |
| Define tiers | Day 1-3 | Create 3-5 membership levels ($5-$100+) |
| Plan benefits | Day 3-7 | Decide what patrons receive at each tier |
| Soft launch | Week 2 | Share with existing audience |
| Build momentum | Ongoing | Regular content and promotion |
| Scale | Months 3+ | Grow patron base over time |
Membership Tiers
| Tier Level | Price Range | Typical Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $3-$5 | Early access, Discord/community |
| Standard | $10-$25 | Exclusive content, monthly updates |
| Premium | $50-$100 | Direct access, consulting, credits |
| Enterprise | $250+ | Custom services, sponsorship |
Costs
- Platform fee: 5-12% depending on plan
- Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Payout fees: Varies by method
- Total: ~8-15% of earnings