If applicable, interested groups should connect with University Advancement staff overseeing their focus areas, schools, or units to discuss a possible project. If no development team exists, groups should discuss possible projects with an advisor or faculty/staff advisor. It is the responsibility of the advancement faculty or staff advisor to secure appropriate leadership approvals from their school, college, or unit.
Submit an application.
A successful application includes:
5+ team members that are passionate about the proposed project. The team members should all be comfortable with reaching out to their personal networks and asking for donor support. The larger the team, the more likely you are to be successful. Please note that GW Crowdfunding is a platform; the success of your project depends on the effort of your team.
A compelling case for support and a clear need for donor funds.
An attainable fundraising goal of $1,000+.
Any project must be for a charitable cause and have an associated GW gift fund (where funds will be deposited at the end of the campaign). No for-profit projects will be accepted.
10-12 week commitment to plan, execute, and steward a successful crowdfunding campaign.
A large and engaged audience and base of supporters that would be interested in the proposed project.
Submissions will be reviewed by the Annual Giving team.
Once a campaign is approved, staff from the office of annual giving will meet with the project group to review campaign requirements. Campaign requirements include:
A compelling story and case for support
Video, photo, and written collateral
A detailed budget that outlines how the funds will be used
Marketing and outreach plan and timeline (social media, peer-to-peer email)
A GW-approved gift fund
A stewardship plan to thank donors and inform them how the funds are used
The project team must work with the annual giving staff to make sure all campaign requirements are completed.
The office of annual giving reviews all of the submitted materials and ensures the fund(s) to be used are approved and active.
The office of annual giving will approve and post the campaign once all steps are completed. If required steps are not met before the project kick-off date, the Office of Annual Giving reserves the right to postpone or cancel the project.
The campaign is launched and will run for approximately 30 days.
At the end of the campaign, the project team will ensure that stewardship activities are completed.
