Thank you for your interest in UBalt's crowdfunding initiative.
Click here to print out a UBalt Crowdfunding Application.
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University of Baltimore Crowdfunding Application Process
Click here for a PDF version of University of Baltimore Crowdfunding Application Process.
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All projects must be approved by the Office of Annual Giving and be consistent with the fundraising policies of the Office of Advancement and External Relations and the University of Baltimore Foundation.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Once a project is approved, a Project Manager from the Office of Annual Giving will be assigned to your campaign. The Project Manager will manage the campaign from start to finish and will work with you on all tasks associated with running a crowdfunding campaign, such as determining a launch, developing text for the campaign page, determining target audiences, marketing, updates, and stewardship.
Steps to Apply for a UBalt Crowdfunding Project Page:
- Review the UB Crowdfunding Policies to ensure that your project is eligible to fundraise.
- Complete and submit the UB Crowdfunding Application . Be as detailed as possible. If approved, the content in the application will be used to help create your page.
- Once a project has been approved, you will be notified by your assigned Project Manager to begin the process of developing your campaign. Crowdfunding campaigns typically have one month to actively fundraise for their cause, but length of the campaign will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
TIP: Campaigns with 5 or more advocates with a goal of $5,000 or less are the most successful. Remember, crowdfunding is a 3-step process. First, you want people to make a gift to your project. Second, you want them to help spread the word. And, third, you want to steward the campaign’s donors.
Have additional questions? Visit the Frequently Asked Questions tab below. For all other inquiries or to request an in-person meeting to discuss your potential crowdfunding campaign, contact the Office of Annual Giving and Special Gifts at 410.837.6279 or annualgiving@ubalt.edu.
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University of Baltimore Crowdfunding Policies
Click here for a PDF version of the University of Baltimore Crowdfunding Policies
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Please review the following University of Baltimore Crowdfunding Policies before submitting a crowdfunding request. The Office of Annual Giving and Special Gifts (AGSG) reserves the right to change these policies at any time.
AGSG, in its discretion and in accordance with fundraising policies, will approve the participating projects for the crowdfunding platform. AGSG reserves the right to discontinue an active campaign at any time for any reason, without notice, including, and without limitation, because of a requestor’s failure to comply with these policies.
All projects must have a University of Baltimore Foundation (UBF) account into which funds raised through the crowdfunding platform will be placed. Requestors should first consult with their unit’s budget manager about the status of a UBF account before submitting a request. If a group or project does not have a UBF account, AGSG will work with the UBF to determine if the project qualifies for its own account.
A Project Manager from AGSG will be assigned to each crowdfunding campaign. The Project Manager will guide the Requestor in coordinating the details needed to launch a viable campaign. These tasks are, but are not limited to:
- Drafting a story or case for support for the project that clearly articulates the project’s goals and impact;
- Providing approved photo(s) that represent their group or project**;
- Creating a video to support the need (optional)**;
- Developing a target audience comprised of email addresses of prospective donors** and share with AGSG their list of prospective donors prior to the launch date.
- Committing to enlist advocates to help market and share your campaign**;
- Preparing thank-you messages for the donors**;
- Working with AGSG to steward donors by submitting updates on how the funds will be/were spent (for example, notifying donors through the crowdfunding platform that the group reached their goal and will now be purchasing new equipment);
- Advocates should plan to send out the campaign link to colleagues, friends, and family or professional networks periodically throughout the duration of the campaign. Requestors and advocates are also encouraged to share the campaign link with a message through social media networks. Note: Projects that have more outreach are more likely to succeed. Research shows that groups with 30% fulfillment of their goal within 48 hours are most likely to achieve their total goal.
- ** All items must be provided to AGSG no later than 5 days before the campaign launch date in order to remain on schedule.
The Requestor (or his/her designee) is responsible for marketing their crowdfunding campaign. AGSG will determine if the campaign can be sent to segments of the alumni database on a case-by-case basis. It should not be assumed that all campaigns will be marketed to all alumni. The Requestor and the advocates need to determine if there is an external audience of prospective donors for their campaign and also consider using their own personal and/or professional networks and social media outlets.
All funds raised for a crowdfunding campaign outside the UBalt crowdfunding platform must be delivered to AGSG for deposit within 48 hours of receipt. Donors can also mail checks for crowdfunding campaigns to the Office of Annual Giving and Special Gifts. Checks must be made payable to the University of Baltimore Foundation. All monies raised will be held by the UBF, and must be used for the stated intention .
Premiums and services will not to be used to induce gifts. Incentives and sales, such as, and without limitation, bake sales, t-shirt giveaways, car washes, or similar events or activities, are not permissible, as it affects a donor's right to a full tax deduction for his/her gift.
Each campaign will be hosted on the crowdfunding platform for a pre-determined amount of time, no more than 4-6 weeks, though some exceptions may apply (note: quick campaigns tend to drive urgency and perform better). If the campaign does not reach its goal within the allotted timeframe, the funds raised will still be allocated to the project; however, the AGSG may remove the project from the crowdfunding platform and may no longer actively market the campaign.
When possible, Program Managers and advocates should provide AGSG with their list of prospective donors prior to the launch date. This may help AGSG determine the viability of a campaign and also ensure that the campaign is not sent to individuals multiple times.
All content on project pages must be approved by AGSG prior to the campaign launch. AGSG reserves the right to edit content at any point in the campaign.
AGSG reserves the right to decline any project based on content or discontinue an active campaign at any time, for any reason.
The University of Baltimore Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit institution. In order for Program Managers and advocates to ask for a gift of any amount to the University, all gifts must align with UBalt’s mission and support UBalt programs and initiatives. Proposed campaigns cannot violate any laws. All gifts must be spent on the project's expenses as stipulated in the crowdfunding campaign and in the anticipated timeframe per campaign.
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Crowdfunding FAQ