Crowdfunding SJSU

We are excited to share that crowdfunding applications for the 2025-2026 Academic year are now accepting submissions! SJSU’s new crowdfunding platform amplifies peer-to-peer fundraising — with modern payment options, mobile-first pages and social sharing. 

Successful crowdfunding projects follow three phases with planned, intentional activity: Quiet, Active, and Stewardship.

Phase 1: Spark your idea
Goal: Gather your content and build your team to support your crowdfunding campaign.
Typical duration: 2–4 weeks

Check SJSU Crowdfunding Google Site for more information. 

Phase 2: Build and Launch your Campaign
Goal: Prioritize your most active and supportive donor base; maintain weekly communication and social media updates.
Typical duration: 4-8 weeks 

Phase 3: Stewardship (Thank, Report, Re-engage)
Goal: Convert first-time donors into long-time supporters.

Typical duration: ~ 2 weeks after the end of campaign. Repeat during the end of year with Impact report share.

How to Launch a SJSU Crowdfunding Campaign

  1. Application: Submit the SJSU Crowdfunding Project Application to the Office of Annual Giving.
  2. Vetting: The Annual Giving team reviews for platform fit, content capacity, timeline, and compliance.
  3. Onboarding (Optional): Book a time to walk through the new crowdfunding platform and learn about ways to engage with your donors.
  4.  Building & testing: Finalize content and tracking; confirm accessibility and mobile experience.
  5. Campaign is LIVE: Connect with donors; monitor progress; adjust campaign matches and challenges in real time.

Timeline guidance: Most projects require 3–4 weeks of planning and 3–4 weeks of active campaigning. Plan accordingly.

Eligibility & Expectations

  • Projects must clearly and directly benefit ONLY SJSU students or community members. (Funds cannot be raised to donate to external charities.)
  • Teams are required to identify and engage prospective donors via email, social media, texts, and personal outreach—amplified by either recruiting or becoming advocates, creating matches and challenges.
  • All funds are processed through GiveCampus, our Crowdfunding platform, to the Tower Foundation; standard university fiscal and gift acceptance policies apply.

What Successful SJSU Crowdfunding Projects Have in Common

  • Advocates engaged early with personal goals and toolkits
  • Pre-seeded momentum (~25% of donors identified in Quiet Phase)
  • Matches/Challenges staged for Day 1, mid-campaign, and final sprint
  • Frequent Updates and personalized stewardship (Thank yous)

Have Questions or Want to Brainstorm?

Not sure you’re ready to apply but want to explore ideas, timelines, or feasibility? Book a time to talk through strategy, scope, and next steps or email crowdfunding@sjsu.edu.