Our Crowdfunding Groups
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet. At Tarleton, crowdfunding is a cause-based fundraising program designed to identify supporters and facilitate philanthropic action. The platform enables advocates to reach out to personal networks (friends, family, colleagues, etc.) to create a “crowd” and invite them to support their cause. Crowdfunding is Tarleton State University’s platform for fundraising. Crowdfunding offers individuals a new avenue to provide support directly to projects at the university that are most meaningful to them. It helps in supporting a growing culture of philanthropy while aiding students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, and university programs raise money for research, events, outreach efforts, student support and more.
What are examples of a crowdfunding project?
What will not be considered for a crowdfunding project?
What makes a project successful?
1. Successful projects are ones that integrate our best practice recommendations in outreach, includes a 30-day social media and marketing plan, and builds a strong crowdfunding team of people to contribute to their crowdfunding efforts.
2. It is important that every member of the team must be 100% committed to actively engage their social communities and networks.
3. Project teams that set realistic goals of raising between $1,000-$10,000 and stay motivated during the entire 30 days of the active phase will be more successful.
4. Campaigns that gain 30% of their funding goal in the first week of the “active phase” are more likely to succeed.
5. Well designed projects are narrowly focused, set realistic goals and are non-profit in nature.
How does it work?
Once a project is submitted, the Annual Giving team will follow up with you if they have additional questions about the application. The Crowdfunding Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine the eligibility of submitted applications for crowdfunding. Once projects are selected for the specified round, the applicant will be notified and an interview will be scheduled to discuss the project and determine a realistic goal. The Annual Giving team will provide comprehensive training for selected projects and ongoing consultation to participants throughout the campaign. It is important to understand that you will be soliciting your friends, peers, family, colleagues, etc… During the quiet phase the Annual Giving team will preschedule emails, provide graphic templates, and assist with appropriate timelines for social media. We ask that your team provide content for emails and text for social media posts.
How can I apply for a crowdfunding project?
Faculty members, staff members or students may apply. You must have a Tarleton departmental affiliation and/or advisor and access to a Tarleton gift account that can accept contributions.
If you are interested in submitting a crowdfunding project, please click here Submit a Project Idea! (tarleton.edu)
Upcoming Deadlines and Dates:
Summer 2023 Round One Dates: (Pilot Program)
Fall 2023 Round One Dates: (Pilot Program)
Spring 2024 Round One Dates:
Spring 2024 Round Two Dates:
Applications will be reviewed and projects will be selected the week following due dates of each round. Project leaders will be notified and training will occur thereafter. Project launch times and project end dates will verify depending on the University Calendar.
What is a typical campaign timeline?
Quiet Phase (Campaign pre-launch): This phase should begin approximately 4-6 weeks before the project’s launch date. This time will be spent getting your campaign ready (writing content, creating videos, compiling your email list, developing strategies, etc.) Your project team will have several meetings with the Annual Giving team to help you develop and plan your project.
Active Phase (Campaign launch): This phase will last 30 days and constitutes the live campaign. These weeks are crucial. During the campaign, team members are expected to send out at least four (4) email “asks” to their personal contact lists, make four (4) or more updates to their project page, and ask via social media, and otherwise make themselves available to answer questions about and raise awareness around their project.
Thank you Phase (Post campaign): After the project, groups are responsible for sending thank you emails and final updates to donors. Remember—making your donors feel special now means they will want to come back and support your next project.
Why should I give to Tarleton State University?
Tarleton’s budget has grown with its student body, the expansion of its mission, its commitment to excellence, and the desires of the public to see highly educated, technically proficient graduates in the workforce. However, state funding has not grown accordingly. Gifts to the University allow it to grow in ways that basic funding cannot accomplish. Private gifts allow for programs that state funding doesn’t, such as scholarships, special acquisitions, equipment purchases, the creation of endowments, etc.
How much of my gift is tax-deductible?
That depends on the nature of your gift, but most gifts are at least partly deductible. If you receive any goods or services in return for your gift, such as auction items or tickets, the fair-market value of those items is tax-deductible. For more information please contact your tax advisor.
Can I make a gift in installments?
Yes, donors often pledge gifts to be paid over time. For example, a donor who makes a $1,000 pledge might choose to fulfill the commitment with two $500 payments over the course of a year, or a donor who pledges $25,000 might complete the commitment over five years. For more about pledging a gift, contact us.
What kind of assets may I give?
The university accepts a wide range of gifts, including cash, securities, real estate, art, jewelry, equipment, intellectual property, mineral rights, oil and gas interests, timber, cattle, and limited partnership interests. All gifts are subject to review by the University’s Gift Acceptance Committee.
If I establish a scholarship, will I be involved in the selection of the recipients?
Tarleton State University maintains a scholarship committee that reviews applications and makes the final determination. Donors do not participate in the final selection process. However, Tarleton encourages donors to meet with scholarship recipients through regular awards, luncheons, and other planned activities.
What are my rights as a donor?
Your rights as a Tarleton State University donor are protected by Tarleton’s Donor Bill of Rights. Among those rights are respectful treatment and safe handling of your personal information.
Can I designate the use of my gift?
Absolutely, you can designate your gift however you see fit. However, unrestricted gifts can make the difference to underserved programs, programs without an alumni base (like the library, for example), or to help create new programs.
How can I make a gift?
By Mail: enclose a check payable to Tarleton State University. If you are wanting to designate your gift to a specific college, department, or need on campus, please include that on the memo line. Please mail your check to: Institutional Advancement Box T-0260 Stephenville, TX 76402
By Phone: please call Institutional Advancement at 254-968-9890
Online: visit donate.tarleton.edu to make your gift today!
Thank you in advance for your support!
