Pomplamoose pays mechanical licenses for their covers.
"The duo buys mechanical licenses for all of its covers online, which is a quick and easy process." — http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1257832...
Not only that, but they've helped lots of other musicians learn about licensing (via Twitter, on podcasts, etc.), and how to do the right thing.
The platform itself is sorely underutilized by large groups of people for who it's very suitable: Animal Rescue (Rescue (many species), Trap Neuter Release), homeless outreach and care, harm-reduction, etc. All of these groups require ongoing funding, and are positioned to provide monthly backers with evidence of the funds good-use. Obviously, if they're large enough to have 501c3 status and an active fundraising branch, it's less useful, but it would be gratifying to see Patreon attempt to enable grassroots work.
The archives are small; his Patreon covers some other projects that he's working on, too.
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/tomfonder?ty=h
Some samples: http://www.businesscat.happyjar.com/comic/photocopier/ http://www.businesscat.happyjar.com/comic/redundancies/ http://www.businesscat.happyjar.com/comic/numbers/
It's way better than the alternative - ad support in that arena has just resulted in most of the "top" sites being slathered with banners.
At least one person I saw on there was pulling down 10K/month to produce what appears to be a regular review of classic video games.
I would like to get a perspective from people who are doing the funding.
Funding in general, or funding in those specific cases? I fund an Indie band that despite what the OP claims writes their own music and tours. I support them because I enjoy their music, they are nice people, I've met them in person, and want them to know that I value their efforts and this is a way for me to encourage them to continue.
Not sure if this answers your question, or if it was even what you were looking for.
As a YouTube maker, AdSense money is an absolute pittance (1000 views+ for $1 or less). Patreon is a great way to support these video makers.
I don't like that Patreon has "won" the recurring support market but I like the model very much.