Submit a Project Idea!

Crowdfunding applications are now being accepted for the 2021-2022 academic year!

Crowdfunding Cycle #1

Application Deadline: Friday, September 17
Fall Semester Cycle: Friday, October 15 – Monday, November 15

Crowdfunding Cycle #2

Application Deadline: Friday, February 11
Spring Semester Cycle: Friday, March 18 – Tuesday, April 19

Duquesne University students, faculty and staff with a crowdfunding campaign idea are encouraged to apply. Before submitting an application, please carefully read the information below. Make sure that your project qualifies to be featured on Spirit, your goal is realistic and that you and your team are willing to put in the time and effort to make your campaign a success.

Contact David Jakielo, A’05, GA’10, assistant director of annual giving, at jakielod@duq.edu with any questions.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a 30-day online fundraising campaign where project leaders passionately tell their story in hopes that their own personal networks, alumni and friends will make a gift to support their project.

Who can apply and how are applications evaluated?

Projects featured on Spirit must be University-centered initiatives that directly enhance the Duquesne University experience for our students, faculty and staff. Applications will be reviewed by Duquesne's crowdfunding committee to make sure the project supports the University’s mission, has the potential to be a success and that crowdfunding is the best option to fund the project.

Does crowdfunding require much effort?

Yes! Crowdfunding may seem like a quick and easy way to raise large sums of money, but successful projects require a great deal of time. You will need to create creative content and be comfortable with actively soliciting donations throughout the duration of the campaign.

What are the requirements for a successful campaign?

A passionate team. Your team leaders and project advocates will need to be committed to creating your campaign content/updates and to actively solicit donations throughout the entire campaign. Launching your crowdfunding page is only the beginning of the journey.
A large crowd of supporters. Your team must be willing to personally reach out to family, friends, colleagues, alumni, etc. for support. It is recommended that each project advocate has at least 100 relevant personal contacts to solicit in person or via e-mail or text message. Regularly posting on your social media channels (both personal and those connected to your area of campus) is a must.
A project that is inspired in the Spirit of Duquesne. A project that connects with the Mission of Duquesne University and is supported by project advocates who are 100 percent invested in the cause are essential for a successful campaign.

How does the University assist with the process?

A Duquesne University crowdfunding professional will work with you throughout the campaign to help make it a success. This includes:

scheduling a brief "Learn About Crowdfunding" introductory session with all of the crowdfunding campaign leaders for that semester
providing you with a detailed crowdfunding guide that includes step-by-step instructions on how to launch your campaign, best practices to reach your goal and ideas on how to properly thank your donors
placing the content you create on your crowdfunding page for you
promoting your campaign on the Spirit Facebook and Twitter accounts
scheduling one-on-one Zoom check-in meetings, if needed
working with you to strategize how your campaign can be promoted through Duquesne University channels

How do I/we access the money?

100% of donations are deposited into the University gift account of the department/organization in charge of the campaign. Donors will receive a tax receipt with the amount of their donation. If your group does not have a gift account, we can assist with that process. You will work with the account's admin or Business Manager to access these funds.

Apply today!

If crowdfunding sounds like a solution to your fundraising needs, please apply today. Questions? Contact David Jakielo, A’05, GA’10, assistant director of annual giving, at jakielod@duq.edu.

Tell us about yourself

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone *

Tell us about your project

Project Title*

Brief Description*

What is your primary University affiliation?*

What is the name of the department, organization, program or team you represent?*

What is your role in this department, organization, program or team?*

If applicable, please list your student organization's advisor Optional

If you are a student organization, have you tried to receive funding from the Student Government Association or Duquesne Program Council to support this project? Optional

Yes No

When do you want to run your crowdfunding campaign?*

Consider when this will best fit into your schedule and when funding is needed

Please thoroughly explain, how will donations impact your Duquesne experience and/or the Duquesne University community?*

Donations must benefit Duquesne students, faculty or staff - they can't be given to a charity

What is your crowdfunding campaign goal and why specifically do you need to reach this amount? (the goal can be # of dollars or donors)*

Reminder - projects typically raise $1,000-$4,000, but we can advise on a realistic goal

How many members of your team will work with you to develop content and solicit donations?*

How do you plan to promote your campaign and what specific audiences do you plan to target?*

Are you and your team members comfortable with asking your personal network (family and friends) for donations?*

Donations from your personal network will be the primary source of donations

Yes No

If applicable, are you and/or your team members comfortable sending personal solicitation e-mails to Duquesne University alumni?*

This may require a great deal of time, but can play an important role in reaching your goal

Which social media platforms are you, your team and your organization active on and generally how many friends/followers do you have for each?*

Are you able to produce a 1-2 minute crowdfunding campaign video?*

Videos are the most effective way to tell your story and provide donors with updates

Yes No

Do you have relevant photos that can be used to promote the crowdfunding campaign?*

Photos are important to add to your crowdfunding campaign page and for social media promotion

Yes No

Is there anything else you would like for us to be made aware of or any concerns you have?*

How did you hear about the Spirit crowdfunding platform? Optional

Have questions? Send us an email at jakielod@duq.edu