Submit a Project Idea!

Monmouth University Crowdfunding Application

Thank you for your interest in Monmouth University’s crowdfunding platform, which is intended to solicit philanthropic support for student, faculty, and staff projects. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about our crowdfunding program. Answers to additional questions may be found by visiting our website.

Applications for Spring 2024 projects are now open.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a project-specific 30-60 day online fundraising campaign in which a passionate group of advocates, with assistance from the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, solicit online donations from their own personal contacts including alumni and University friends via email and social media.

Does crowdfunding require much effort?

Crowdfunding may seem like a quick and easy way to raise large sums of money, but successful projects require a great deal of time (10-16 weeks) and work (planning, soliciting donations from family/friends, writing copy, producing videos, creating social media content, thanking donors) from a core team of 5-10 individuals who are passionate about the project, are willing to take ownership of the project, and have a large network of potential supporters to engage.

What are the requirements for a successful campaign?

A project leader that is fully vested in the project. Well performing projects are initiated by leaders who are already committed and dedicated to the cause. It is important that the project leader lead by example by making a philanthropic gift, outlining their personal list of contacts, and demonstrating the tenacity to serve as the chief ambassador for the project.
A passionate team with a large personal network. A project leader with a passionate team of 5-10 project ambassadors is needed to run the many aspects of the campaign, as daily work is required over the active project period. Each project ambassador should identify a minimum of 20 personal contacts who might be interested in contributing to the campaign. In addition to making a personal gift to the cause, each ambassador is expected to send at least six emails to their contact list during the campaign, as well as utilize their social media networks. These messages should update, enlighten, entertain, and engage donors about your cause.
A project that inspires others to give. A successful project aligns with and enhances the educational mission of Monmouth University, and is supported by project advocates who are 100 percent invested in the cause. Well-designed projects are narrowly focused, can articulate a clear and concise case for support, have a built-in audience, set realistic funding goals, and are non-profit in nature. Successful projects could include sending a student group to a national academic competition, funding a new scholarship for student-athletes, raising money for new pep band transportation, and more!
A team that’s here to help every step of the way. When projects are approved to be featured on Monmouth University’s crowdfunding site, the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving is available to provide guidance throughout every step of the campaign.

Who can apply?

All current recognized student groups, faculty, and staff can apply to have their projects listed on fly.monmouth.edu. Anyone on campus can submit a crowdfunding project for consideration, provided that they are a currently enrolled student, or officially affiliated with an academic unit or administrative department.

The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving welcomes applications from teams of students, faculty, and/or staff. Teams must have at least five members. Student groups must have a Monmouth University employee sponsor, such as a faculty/staff advisor or coach. Monmouth University’s crowdfunding project selection committee, in its sole discretion, will determine the eligibility of participating projects on the crowdfunding platform at fly.monmouth.edu. The committee may discontinue an active project at any time because of a project’s failure to comply with official crowdfunding guidelines.

Completing our application does not guarantee that your project will be featured on Monmouth University’s crowdfunding site.

Tell us about yourself

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone *

Comments

Website URL

Tell us about your project

Project Title*

Brief Description*

What is your University affiliation?*

What is your department or organization name?*

What division/school does your department or organization report to?*

What is your role in the department or organization?*

If you represent a student organization, please list your organization's advisor. Optional

Who/what will your project's fundraising dollars benefit?*

Crowdfunding projects may assist in raising critical funds for university-centric needs.

What is your fundraising goal (in dollar amount)?*

Suggested goal amounts range from $1k to $10k.

Are you currently and actively fundraising for this project?*

Yes No

If yes, how much money have you raised so far? Optional

Do you have a project-specific gift fund account with the University?*

Please list the team members who will serve as ambassadors for your project. (We recommend 5-10 team members.)*

Please include first and last name, e-mail, and University affiliation or role for each team member.

Describe your plan for communication with potential donors.*

How will you reach out to the on-campus community to raise awareness and funds to support your project?*

How will you reach out to alumni and former organization/department members to enlist their financial support?*

Please give 3 reasons why someone should donate to your case.*

Does your department or organization have any of the following social media accounts?*

Check all that apply.

Do you have the ability to create a 1-2 minute crowdfunding campaign video?*

Yes No

Does your department or organization have access to photos or images that can be used to promote your project on social media?*

Yes No

How do you intend to thank donors during and after the campaign?*

Please use this space to tell us anything else you would like us to know about your application or project. Optional

Have questions? Send us an email at annualgiving@monmouth.edu