About Cal Poly Crowdfunding

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: 

  • Discover limited-time fundraising campaigns launched by Cal Poly students that support student projects, activities, and Learn by Doing!
  • Make tax-deductible donations in support of Learn by Doing, using a convenient and secure online form. 
  • Share student-led projects with fellow Cal Poly supporters to help generate even more interest in fundraising for student projects. 
  • Keep tabs on current projects and progress and stay up-to-date on the impact of your philanthropy.  

Cal Poly FAQ

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.  

 

 

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?

 

The Crowdfunding application is open, and campaigns and projects can be hosted at any time.

 

 

How should I choose what my project's fundraising goal should be?

 

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.

 

 

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!

 

 

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 rough timeline

 Must be committed to promoting the campaign throughout the duration of the project

 

 

How long will my campaign be?

 

Crowdfunding campaigns can be anywhere from 15 to 90 days long, with a month being the most typical duration.

 

 

What if my crowdfunding campaign does not get picked?

 

If your Crowdfunding project does not get picked, the Annual Giving team will notify you what steps you can take before you reapply.

 

Our Crowdfunding Groups