Student Crowdfunding

All current students, faculty, and staff are eligible to apply for a Crowdfunding Campaign. Participating student projects and organizations must be officially recognized by the University (as either an RSO as recognized by the SAIL office) or by being directly affiliated to an academic department. Additionally, student groups require a faculty or staff sponsor/advisor.

If your group is a chapter or associated with a private 501 (c)3 non-profit organization (such as Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society, etc.) or an organization that is exclusionary in nature (by gender, race, ethnicity, etc.) you are not able to participate per legal requirements through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If you have questions if your student group is eligible, please reach out to discuss.

Crowdfunding pages can be created quickly, but in order to be successful, should be organized and orchestrated by student volunteers and given adequate time to be successful. Please apply to begin Crowdfunding at least 90 days ahead of the date that your expected funds should be received!

Crowdfunding is available at UMass Dartmouth all year, but we encourage your group to consider what timing works best for your group. Alumni and parents may be more engaged at certain times of year. If you need help strategizing, please reach out!
Additionally, the University Advancement Office runs several large fundraising campaigns each year, which are great times to fundraise and to tap into communications already occurring with our alumni and donor populations.

They include:

• RSO Crowdfunding Campaign: October 2025 Request more information.
• Giving Tuesday: December 3, 2024
• UMassD Gives: April 2024

Confirm interest in crowdfunding with your faculty/staff advisor. You will need their approval to submit your application.

• Confirm and provide (via the linked Crowdfunding application):
• A fundraising goal that is realistic for the timeframe and your network. (How much do you want to raise?) *note, this will be included on your Crowdfunding page.
• A fundraising timeframe (When would you ideally receive funds by?) *this will dictate how long your Crowdfunding page is live for.
• A designated student leader(s) responsible for completing the application, creating a marketing plan, timeline and collecting/preparing content for the entire duration of the fundraising period of the crowdfunding campaign. This person is expected to be responsive via email to questions from the University Advancement office.
• A brief overview of what goals the crowdfunding campaign will help accomplish. Be broad in thinking about how donations will help create opportunities for your group. Consider adding testimonials about participation, anecdotes, etc. *Note, this information will also be included as part of your Crowdfunding page to inspire donors.
• Photos and/or videos to be used as part of the online giving form.

• The University Advancement team will confirm whether your application is accepted or not. Our goal is to notify you within one week of your applications submission via email to your designated student leader.
• If accepted, your giving site will be created and shared with you to begin fundraising.
• You will have the opportunity to participate in a training/brainstorming session about opportunities to spread the word, communicate with your alumni/potential donors, etc. Additionally, you can work with the University Advancement office on a special solicitation to be sent via our email marketing platform. You will also be provided with a QR code to direct donors to your page, which can be used on posters, tabling and more. 

The University Advancement department will work with SAIL to deposit all funds raised into a development account for your student group. If one does not already exist, it will be created. Your crowdfunding page will also show up to date funds raised and donor totals on a minute-by-minute basis.

Your student group will receive all donated funds that have been raised, regardless of if your goal is achieved.

That depends entirely on your effort! At UMass Dartmouth, crowdfunding campaigns have raised anywhere from $250-$10,000 over several months period.