What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is sponsorship by a crowd of many donors, each making an individual, small donation in
return for a small reward, like a t-shirt or a project poster. It works really well for universities
because there are large groups of people who want to see your projects succeed, such as alumni, or
your friends and family.
Who are the sponsors?
Your sponsors will be individuals such as alumni, friends, and family. Occasionally, they may also
be complete strangers! How many people your project reaches is up to you!
Can I raise more than my funding target?
Yes! There is no ceiling to how much you can raise and it is common for projects to raise more than
their minimum and sometimes more than their funding target!
What happens with the money after I finish my campaign?
If you are running an individual project we will transfer the money to your account. If you are part of Sports Club or Society we will transfer all pledges to the SU. Please note all money raised must be used for the stated intention and in the way specified in your project description. In case you fail to do so, the University of Essex remains its right to take legal actions against you.
What's all-or-nothing funding?
We ask you for two amounts - the minimum you need, and your ultimate target. Funds only change hands if a project has reached its minimum once it hits its end date. This means you only need to carry out your project and deliver rewards if you achieve this minimum target. We recommend setting the minimum at the smallest amount you need to complete your project and successfully deliver rewards. You can still set a bigger project target as well! Most projects receive considerably more than their minimum!
What is a project?
When you publish your idea or event, we call it a project. For your idea to become a project, you must have a clear goal and be able to explain how you will spend the funds you raise.
Do I need to record a video?
Yes, because it will increase your chances of being successful by 40%. Your video needs to explain who you are and why you need the money. You also need to attach the official Click credit slide at the end- this will allow us to promote your pitch on all University social media platforms.
Support
Book your individual appointment by emailing click@essex.ac.uk or just come in 5N7.6 and ask any questions.
Are there any fees?
We cover the costs of the platform so you only pay payment processing fees with PayPal or Stripe.
Click Matchfunding
Our matchfunding comes from alumni of the University. Over 1,300 alumni have contributed to student projects at Essex since the scheme was set up in 2002. The money raised from these alumni will be used to support Click projects and to give students the boost they need. The total amount given is now a maximum of £250 per project and it applies to student-led projects only.
Deadlines
Students going to Edinburgh/Camden/Brighton/London Fringe should apply by 1 June that year. Students going on summer schools, unpaid internships and volunteering abroad, please note you need to start crowdfunding by the following dates:
Umphafa
- April session – 31 January 2019
- September session -15 May 2019
Wildlife Sense
- June session- 8 March 2019
- September session- 15 May 2019
No exceptions will be made.
Resources
The Crowdfunding Handbook
Rewards Guide
Promotion Guide
Click Guidelines
