Why we built it
A neighborhood is made of its businesses. When a bakery needs a second oven, a bike shop needs to move to a bigger space, or a childcare center needs to get through a hard winter, the money is usually out of reach — a bank wants collateral and an investor wants a piece of the company.
But the people who walk past every day would help in a heartbeat. Pledzy turns that goodwill into funding: the business asks its own community, offers something back, and keeps what it raises.
How we are different
- Not a donation site. Every backer gets a reward, so this is a trade, not charity.
- Not an investment platform. No shares, no returns, no securities paperwork for the owner.
- Not all-or-nothing. A missed goal does not wipe out the money raised.
- Built around place. Every campaign lives in a city and state hub, so you can fund your own street.
How we make money
One fee: 5% of each pledge, or 3% for verified nonprofits, plus card processing paid to the payment provider. No listing fees, no subscriptions, nothing charged if a campaign never launches. If a business does not raise, we do not earn.