Tech startups look for venture capital; kids start lemonade stands. In between, people looking for ways to finance a new album, a trip abroad, or even pay medical bills now can turn to crowdfunding.

Using the internet gives those trying to raise money a greater number of potential backers. It provides a way for people interested in the subject to become part of it. It generates publicity.

Sites like KickStarter, IndieGoGo, GoFundMe offer funding opportunities for nearly any idea. The Ticker decided to check-in with a few local crowdfunding campaigns on the hunt for dollars.

Luke Broyles is looking to gain funding for his film Cold Snow. The Interlochen Center for the Arts sophomore already had more than $10,000 pledged to the movie, and is seeking to raise another $3,500 on KickStarter. The funds will go toward hiring for all phases of the production, from acting to cinematography and makeup.

“It’s now in pre-production,” said Broyles. He’s finishing the script and hopes to shoot during the winter break from Interlochen. His instructors are mentoring him, but it is not a school project: He’s been working on it for more than two years.

It was selected by the KickStarter as a "Staff Pick," which garners it additional attention from those visiting the site. “It’s for things they really like, that they think are worthwhile,” said Broyles. At this writing, he had raised about half his goal.

Local musician Levi Britton turned to crowdfunding for his latest recording project, despite some initial misgivings.

“I was worried it would cheapen the product,” he said. Then he looked into it and saw how many higher-profile musicians were using it. “I was more hip to it and I’m glad I did it. It worked.”

Britton’s wife Krissie managed the campaign, complementing it with social media updates to remind fans of the campaign. “We made an effort to reach out to each person and thank them, make people feel they were a part of it,” she said. In all, 283 backers pledged $31,810 to fund Inside.

Here is a sampling of the many campaigns locals now have online:

The Blood Caeyl Memories 
Author Paul Herendeen, who says he was awarded Kirkus Reviews’ “Best Indie Book of 2014,” is seeking $6,000 from KickStarter donors to publish and advertise his third novel in a fantasy trilogy. 

Mount Valor 
Kyle Novy has already raised $13,000 of $20,000 for his year-long musical project Mount Valor. He will release one song per week for the entire year, all free downloads. He has identified 15 different levels of giving, each with its own reward. They range from a postcard with his dog’s photo on it to greeting cards, T-shirts, a boxed set of CDs, even songwriting lessons.

DanFeegz Styling Wax 
Dissatisfied with the pomade he could find on the market, TC’s Dan Figac (the son of a cosmetologist) created his own recipe with sandalwood and organic ingredients. He’s hoping to raise $500 on KickStarter for development and marketing.

Picture A Better Life For Syrian Refugees 
Photojournalist Wesley Mayer wants to travel to Turkey to chronicle and raise awareness and aid for Syrian refugees. He is seeking $3,500 through IndieGoGo.

Becoming Wild Again 
Environmental science major Stephanie Snookie is traveling to Africa to work with a wilderness refuge that takes in wounded animals. She’s seeking $5,000 on GoFundMe.

Crowdfunding sites have different rules. KickStarter is the most exacting: Project creators must choose a deadline and a minimum funding goal. If the goal is not met by the deadline, no funds are collected.

GoFundMe offers an all-or-nothing option, but most choose campaigns with no end date so donations can be accepted anytime. They also don’t have to be repaid should the campaign fall short of its stated goal. It’s geared toward life events such as celebrations and graduations and challenging circumstances like accidents and illnesses.

IndieGoGo focuses on ideas, charities, or start-up businesses. Like GoFundMe, it is open-ended.

Pictured at top: Luke Broyles (left) with actor Ransom Pugh, the lead in his film Cold Snow.