Kickstarter or Indiegogo are examples of crowdfunding. Basically someone who has a project starts a little page on the site. It details the project and contains a budget or goal of funding that project. Individuals can then look at the page, decide if they like the idea, whether they think the project originator is legitimate and decide to fund the project to some extent. It allows for giving donations and often there are rewards for funding a project to a certain amount. In most cases, the conditions of the crowdfunding site are that if the project makes all the funding it needs in a month, the funding is passed on. If it doesn't the funding is returned to those who gave it.

It individuals an opportunity to invest really cool ideas they love. It does carry risks of course. No crowdfunding site backs up the claims the projects are making, it's very buyer beware. That said, as far as has been documented, there have been many successful projects and few failures. To me, the bridge to get innovative projects that are directly funded by those who desire them is awesome and worth all the risk.

I could answer other questions at length on the topic need be.