In the age of social media networking and personal brands, a new form of fundraising is gaining significant traction. Whether you are a paleontologist seeking financial assistance for fossil excavation, or a musician looking to fund your first album, people are turning to crowdfunding as a way to realize projects, spread awareness about a cause, or even cover medical expenses. The New York Times articles collected in this volume give a sense of the great variety of crowdfunded projects, the particular advantages or drawbacks of the method, and the potential challenges and controversies that can arise from crowdfunding.

Chapter 1. Funding science, technology and start-up companies -- chapter 2. Supporting the arts and entertainment -- chapter 3. Crowdfunding for change: activism and philanthropy -- chapter 4. Health care, memorials and the personal campaign -- chapter 5. Controversy and the future of crowdfunding.