University Advancement

Crowdfunding FAQ

UCR Crowdfunding

UC Riverside is piloting a new crowdfunding platform—crowdfunding.ucr.edu—to support campus-wide initiatives. With UCR Crowdfunding, you can contribute directly to projects and programs that enhance our students’ lives and learning experience. Find a student-centered project that inspires you, make your gift, and share the page with friends. Thank you for partnering with UCR!

UCR Crowdfunding Guidelines

UCR Crowdfunding Toolkit

 

General UCR Crowdfunding Policy

UC Riverside faculty, staff, and students who wish to use crowdfunding as a means of supporting their student success-related projects should use the UCR Crowdfunding platform. This will ensure that the project is branded with the university’s name and collateral, that gifts to the projects are tax deductible, and that UC Riverside is equipped to recognize and steward those donors. This will also ensure that no tax liability accrues to an individual as a result of receiving the funds personally through an external crowdfunding site. The funds will go directly into a university gift fund designated for the project’s use and gifts will be properly receipted to the donors.

Crowdfunding FAQs

  • WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

    Please submit your application as early as possible, but no later than 2 months prior to the date you will need access to the funds raised. This will allow our office enough time to review your application, for you to collect/create your campaign's collateral materials, and to run a well-planned fundraising campaign. Projects will remain active anywhere from 6-8 weeks depending on your project's dollar goal.Raising thousands of dollars takes time and good planning. When you think you’re ready, look at your calendars and contact us ASAP. If there isn’t enough time this year, start planning for next!

  • HOW CAN I SUBMIT A PROJECT TO THE UCR CROWDFUNDING PLATFORM?

    UCR Crowdfunding is still in its pilot phase—we’re testing and refining our crowdfunding process with a few hand-picked projects. If you think your project would be a good fit, the first step is to submit an application . You will be contacted with further details once your application is reviewed by University Advancement.

  • WHAT IS A REALISTIC FINANCIAL GOAL?

    Goal size will vary based upon the scope and nature of the project. Crowdfunding platforms are primarily used for projects with goals between $1,500 and $10,000, but certain projects may effectively leverage a larger goal size.

  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FEATURE MY PROJECT ON UCR CROWDFUNDING

    There are no setup or monthly maintenance fees for your department; however, the standard 5% UCR Foundation gift fee does apply.

  • ARE GIFTS THROUGH UCR CROWDFUNDING TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

    Yes, all gifts made to the UCR Foundation are tax deductible, and a receipt for tax purposes, according to law, will be sent to each donor.