Tools

From Micropatronage

PayPal and Amazon Honor System both offer donation options.

Fundable functions like an escrow service -- they hold people's donations, until either (1) you make enough money, and provide your creation to your audience, or (2) you don't make enough money, and refund the donations that were made. PledgeBank is the same idea, but without the automatic handling of money. Firstgiving (US) and Justgiving (UK) are similar as well. Cofundos, microPledge, and Cambrian House focus on software, and FilmRiot focuses on movies.

Consider offering a way to publicly recognize your patrons; listing them on your site, for instance. Also consider offering them a way to show their patronage on their own site; perhaps a sticker, or even an invitation for others to contribute. After all, this isn't just about money. . . It's about relationships.

It's worthwhile to share with your audience a little about the money you're asking for/receiving. How much do you need? What will it go towards? How much have you received so far? Doing this gives your patrons a greater sense of involvement. It also gives them the opportunity to directly donate the things you need, such as server space, bandwidth, studio time, etc. See the Wikimedia fund-raising page for an excellent example. Dropcash wraps this up in a nice package.

Remember, this isn't a get rich quick scheme. It's about giving your audience an opportunity to support your work, materially and otherwise.