Our Crowdfunding Groups
Welcome to Cal Poly Crowdfunding, a place where Cal Poly students, faculty, and staff can harness the power of crowdfunding to turn many smaller gifts into big opportunities.
Crowdfunding is a way to support student projects and organizations that enhance the Learn by Doing experience. Funded by donors and student supporters, Cal Poly Crowdfunding projects are fundraising campaigns that typically last 30 days.
Students create, promote, and lead their crowdfunding projects in a true Learn by Doing approach to philanthropy!
On the Cal Poly Crowdfunding site, you can:
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Gifts to Cal Poly are deductible at the highest limits allowed for federal income or estate tax purposes.
Our federal tax identification number is 20-4927897.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is the practice of fundraising that taps into the power of crowds by asking for smaller gifts from many supporters. At Cal Poly, Crowdfunding gives student and faculty-affiliated groups on campus the opportunity to raise money for various expenses within their respective organizations, from travel expenses to new equipment to event funds and more.
INTERESTED APPLICANT FAQ
How do I apply to participate in a Crowdfunding campaign?
Go to crowdfund.calpoly.edu/submit-application or click the "Submit Application" tab at the top of the page.
When can I apply for a Crowdfunding campaign?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the below deadlines will be taken into account when determining the timing of the crowdfund project:
Student groups and organizations
• Fall Cohort
- October project application due by August 31st, 2024
- November project application due by September 30th, 2024
• Spring Cohort
- February project application due by December 15th, 2024
- March project application due by January 31st, 2025
- April project application due by February 28th, 2025
- May project application due by March 31st, 2025
College departments and programs
• Faculty or Staff point of contact required
• Apply at least 4 weeks before desired launch date
• Application deadline for calendar year: September 30th, 2024
• Application deadline for academic year: March 31st, 2025
How should I choose what my project's fundraising goal should be?
Student groups and organizations: $3,000 - $5,000 recommended fundraising goal amount
College departments and programs: $5,000 - $10,000 recommended fundraising goal amount
Check out our Past Projects page to see other Cal Poly fundraising projects! Consider a goal that is achievable for your organization and that supports a compelling reason for donors to give.
How long will my campaign be?
Crowdfunding campaigns are a month long.
What components are necessary to be considered for a Crowdfunding campaign?
• Must be a Cal Poly recognized club, organization, department, program or event
• Approval from the club advisor or supervisor
• A clear need for crowdfunding
• A realistic goal, specific target audience, and marketing plan
• Must be committed to promoting the campaign throughout the duration of the project
When will I expect to hear back about whether or not my organization was selected for a crowdfunding campaign?
Selected projects will be notified once your application has been reviewed. If your project is selected, Annual Giving will reach out to you via email to communicate next steps. Good luck!
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Gifts to Cal Poly are deductible at the highest limits allowed for federal income or estate tax purposes.
Our federal tax identification number is 20-4927897.
Problem with your gift not going through?
Please make sure to use the name and billing address that is connected with the card you use for the payment method to ensure your transaction does not get declined.
We also recommend not using autofill for your contact information and letting the donation page sit for a minute before continuing on, otherwise, your gift might be incorrectly flagged as fraudulent and might not go through. If you have a pop-up blocker activated, it might prevent the payment processing page from opening as well.
Need help or have other questions?
Email crowdfund@calpoly.edu
