Ball State University leverages the power of crowdfunding as a dynamic tool for its fundraising efforts. Crowdfunding embodies the spirit of beneficence by rallying support from a diverse community through modest contributions, primarily in online giving.

At Ball State University, crowdfunding serves as a purposeful fundraising initiative tailored to specific causes. Crowdfunding allows advocates to mobilize their personal networks, including friends, family, and colleagues, to contribute and endorse their chosen project.

Who can apply to use Ball State University crowdfunding? All registered Ball State University student organizations, competitive sports, and academic teams, full-time faculty, Ball State staff members, development officers, schools, colleges, institutes, departments, and various other members of the Ball State community. Prior to launching the crowdfunding campaign, all projects must have an approved fund set up through the Ball State Foundation.

What kind of campaigns are most successful on Ball State University Crowdfunding? Effective campaigns are often centered around an initiative and spearheaded by enthusiastic project managers who are committed to creating positive change. These managers have a strong sense of purpose and are dedicated to mobilizing support and resources to achieve their projects goals.

How long does it take to prepare for a campaign?  We recommend that crowdfunding teams set aside 30 to 45 days to plan and prepare prior to their campaign launch. A good rule of thumb is to apply 90-days before you need your funding in the bank. That gives a team time to apply, be approved, plan and implement their campaigns within the platform.  

What happens if the project doesn't reach its goal? If the project doesn't meet its fundraising goal, it retains the amount raised regardless but must adhere to the original purpose of the project. The project manager is responsible for communicating to donors how the fund will be utilized in these instances.

Who manages the Ball State University crowdfunding platform? The Ball State University Foundation, Office of Annual Giving - 2800 W Bethel Ave., Muncie, IN 47304

Contact: Austin Biggers, Associate Director of Annual Giving, at austin.biggers@bsu.edu

Before applying, please review the Crowdfunding guidelines and timeline below.

Typical Campaign Timeline

• Quiet Phase (campaign pre-launch): This phase should begin approximately 4-6 weeks before the project’s launch date. This time will be spent getting your campaign ready (writing content, creating videos, compiling your email list, developing strategies, etc.). Your project team will have several meetings with the Office of Annual Giving to help you develop and plan your project.
• Active Phase (campaign launch): This phase will last 30 days and constitutes the live campaign. These weeks are crucial. During the campaign, team members are expected to send out at least six (6) email “asks” to their personal contact lists, make four (4) or more updates to their project page, push out asks via social media, and otherwise make themselves available to answer questions about and raise awareness around their project.
• Thank-You Phase (post-campaign): After the project, groups are responsible for sending thank-you email and final updates to donors. Remember, making your donors feel special now means that they will want to come back and support your next project.

When applying for Ball State University Crowdfunding, project leads agree to provide the following:

• Project description and a case for support.
• Video (it is the project leads responsibility to create, film and edit).
• Images for description, social sharing and crowdfunding home page.
• Project leader bios and photos.
• Budget breakdown (how donations will be spent).
• Non-monetary perks for donations in multiple increments (such as a social media shout out).
• Signed Crowdfunding Contract (must be signed before the project can begin fundraising).
• Project updates throughout the campaign.
• Ongoing outreach to promote the project after launch.
• Personal ‘Thank You’ messages after the campaign concludes to thank donors and let them know of their project progress.