I've written about the #CSB (Charity Share Brokerage) idea in various places over the years. Short version here:
The CSB would hold money and help plan projects: Schedules, resources, budgets, success criteria, etc. Donors would "shop" for project to buy charity shares. Projects can vary from new software to ongoing server support to journalism. The CSB idea is older than crowd funding, but with project management and accountability.
Maybe I should write where you searched?