K-State Crowdfunding

Applications eligible to be featured on K-State Crowdfunding must meet the following requirements:

• Registration as an official student organization with the Office of Student Programs and Involvement.
• Access to an established fund through the KSU Foundation for a specific organization, department or campus entity receiving donations
• Dedicated project leads able to create and market compelling content through social media channels.
• Feasible timeline and fundraising goals (project goals may only exceed $10,000 under special circumstances approved by the AVP of Development at KSUF)
• Approval from faculty advisor for student-led projects; approval of department head for faculty/staff-led projects.

Fall Semester:

• August 25: Classes resume
• September 1: Applications for fall projects due
• September 20-October 11: Round 1 of fall projects
• October 11 – November 1: Round 2 of fall projects
• November 1: Promotion for Spring projects begin
• November 1 – November 22: Round 3 of fall projects

 Spring Semester:

• December 1: Applications for Spring projects due
• January 18-February 8: Round 1 of spring projects
• February 18-March 1: Round 2 of spring projects
• PAUSE FOR DAY OF GIVING
• April 11- May 11: Round 3 of spring projects
• May 1: Promotion of spring projects begin

Applications are reviewed by the KSU Foundation crowdfunding team to assess eligibility for our crowdfunding program; once reviewed, staff will share feedback on fundraising strategy and partnership expectations for approved projects and recommendations for those that do not meet criteria or were not approved.

Once projects are approved, KSU Foundation staff will meet with project leaders for an intake meeting and provide recommendations, social media templates and resources. KSU Foundation staff will create a crowdfunding page utilizing assets shared with them during project intakes.

Project leaders will submit their marketing plan to the KSU Foundation staff for review and suggestions before launch.

Project leaders and their organizations will be assigned a round to crowdfund during the semester and will have three weeks to crowdfund to their page.

KSU Foundation does not put a cap on projects, however, all projects must be vetted and approved before moving forward.

The KSU Foundation aims to have a minimum of 5 projects per round – 15 per semester.

1. A team with all members committed to reaching the goal. The team divides project tasks, supports one another and utilizes each member’s social and personal networks to reach the goal.
2. A sense of urgency created by a deadline that encourages contributions within the timeframe of the campaign.
3. A compelling case for support that inspires alumni, friends, and students of Kansas State University to support the project.

Campaigns are about an 8-week commitment. Upon project approval, you have 3-4 weeks to partner with KSUF staff on the creation of your page, create a solicitation and marketing plan, and turn in all required details. You can realistically get all of this done in about 6-10 hours of time over the 3-4 weeks.

When projects are live, you will be actively soliciting for your projects for around 3 weeks. The amount of time you spend soliciting during the 3 weeks will vary greatly depending on your own individual marketing plans.

If you have questions about a project, please contact crowdfunding@ksufoundation.org or 785-775-2033

The KSUF team member responsible for approving and launching all crowdfunding projects is led by Olivia Ayres, the Strategic Solicitations Specialist. The Content Marketing Strategist, Allie Patterson, oversees reviewing and approving all crowdfunding marketing plans.

• Post daily on social media
• Make updates on the crowdfunding platform once a week and for every milestone
• Have 2-3 advocates identified who will consistently post and share. Determine ahead of time how they’ll promote your cause via social media, email or word of mouth.

You might have more potential donors in your network than you think. Consider these questions to help identify them:

• Who in your network of friends or family would support this cause and support you and your organization?
• Do you have social media platforms or campus marketing tools available to share your cause with friends and family through social channels?
• Who in your organization has a social media platform? Do you have connections with faculty, staff or professionals who could assist in sharing the word of the campaign on their social media?
• As a student, do you have faculty or staff members who might have additional contacts?
• Are there newsletters or communication channels you can use to promote your project?
• Can other organizations or community groups support your cause?

Concentrate on a single initiative or project. This is not intended for broad fundraising efforts for your organization, unit or department. Share your story in a way that resonates deeply with supporters who share your values and deliver it with genuine enthusiasm.

Explain to your donors why this particular amount is essential. Illustrate the positive impact their contributions will have on the Kansas State University community.

Dedicate time daily to your project throughout the 3 week campaign. Develop a strategy to promote your project’s fundraising efforts. Respond promptly to inquiries from donors or potential supporters. Engage with your audience daily through social media, email, personal interactions or phone calls

Identify 2-3 advocates who can support your campaign. Plan in advance how they will promote your cause, whether through social media, email, or word of mouth. Consider if there is a group, department, or professional partner willing to assist. Evaluate if you have an existing social media following or a partner who can leverage their network to help. If you do not have a substantial audience, crowdfunding might not be the best approach for you.