Choosing a crowdfunding portal is as much a financial decision as it is a marketing one. For your $2,400,000 raise, the commission rates for the leading portals in 2026 generally range from 6% to 8%, often with an additional portion taken in equity (company ownership).
Below is a breakdown of the three major portals to help you refine your Use of Proceeds table.
Portal Fee Comparison (January 2026)
| Portal | Cash Commission (Success Fee) | Equity Commission (Securities) | Administrative/Onboarding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wefunder | 7.9% of total raise | None (usually 0%) | ~$1,000 annual admin fee |
| Republic | 6% of cash raised | 2% in securities (Crowd SAFE) | ~$1,500-$3,500 for Form C prep |
| StartEngine | 7% to 12% (variable) | 2% in warrants/equity | ~$2,000-$5,000 onboarding |
Impact on Your $2.4M Budget
Based on these current rates, here is how you should allocate the “Intermediary Fees” in your internal budget:
- Cash Outflow: At a 7.9% rate (Wefunder), you would pay $189,600 directly from your raised funds.
- Equity Outflow: If you use Republic or StartEngine, you may also have to “give away” approximately $48,000 worth of beneficial interest in the Trust to the portal itself.
Which Portal Fits the Gonen Statutory Trust?
- Wefunder: Best for community-driven projects. They have the simplest cash-only fee structure and a very large pool of non-accredited investors.
- Republic: Strongest for high-growth startups. They take 2% equity, meaning they become a “partner” in your success, but their onboarding costs can be slightly higher.
- StartEngine: Ideal for aggressive marketing. They are the most expensive but offer the most robust tools for rapid, large-scale raises.
Next Strategic Move
Each portal has a “Listing Committee” that must approve your project before you can file your Form C. They will want to see your Lynchburg Project purchase contract and your Wyoming Statutory Trust documents.
Would you like me to draft a “Pitch Deck Outline” that summarizes your 40-year legacy and the Lynchburg project to impress these portal listing committees?