Crowdfunding
About Crowdfunding
What is Crowdfunding?
Similar to Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe, Go Beyond The Block: Crowdfunding at Colorado College is CC’s platform for community fundraising. The platform offers our students, faculty, and staff a new avenue for sharing their projects and directly appealing to prospective donors for gifts. Donors can make gifts directly to projects that are most meaningful to them.
Who can donate to projects?
Parents, friends, family, and alumni have already generously supported CC crowdfunding projects. The beauty of crowdfunding is that it inspires people to give because they know where their money is going and how it will make a difference.
How will people learn about the projects?
The college will feature projects on the platform and share them with alumni, parents, and friends. However, successful crowdfunding relies on project managers, who communicate information about their projects and develop networks for support.
How much do average projects make?
Research has shown that a typical crowdfunding project attracts between $2,000 and $4,000.
What can't we do with this platform?
There are two limitations that our platform has in accepting fundraising projects.
Due to financial reasons, we cannot raise money for any organization that is not directly affiliated with CC. We also cannot allow organizations to raise funds with our platform on behalf of any third-party organization. If you are passionate about a CC-affiliated worthy cause, do not hesitate to submit your application. The college is committed to community service, and if you believe you have a great way to improve the community, we will work with you to make it happen.
Because of IRS regulations, we cannot allow fundraising campaigns to give physical gifts to donors as rewards for contributions. We allow fundraising campaigns to provide benefits to donors, such as meet-and-greets, tours, social media shout outs,etc. The more creative the incentive, the more likely you will reach your goal.
Who manages the current platform?
The Department of Annual Giving within the Office of Advancement oversees the crowdfunding program and platform. If you have questions, contact us at crowdfunding@v-lanterna.com.
Matt Kelly, Director of Annual Giving -- (719) 389-6226
Angel Martinez, Assistant Director of Annual Giving -- (719) 389-6466
Nichole Ridenour, Assistant Director of Annual Giving -- (719) 389-6776
I'm interested. How can I crowdfund for my project/club team/sports team/etc?
If your student organization has a great mission that improves the CC community, if you’re a faculty member looking to improve your department, or if you’re affiliated with the CC community and have an innovative idea; crowdfunding may be an excellent fit for you. Our website accepts any and all applications, and we are prioritizing fundraising campaigns that strive to enhance the CC experience.
Please complete a crowdfunding proposal form. Applications will be screened and approved by a panel of students, faculty, and staff.
Crowdfunding Colorado College FAQ
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. All philanthropic contributions to Colorado College are tax-deductible as prescribed by law.
Will I recieve a receipt?
You'll receive an email receipt shortly after you make your gift.
When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card is charged when you complete your online gift.
Who should I contact with questions about my gift?
Call 1 (800) 782-6306 or email annualgiving@v-lanterna.com
Can I make my crowdfunding gift in honor of (IHO) or in memory of (IMO) someone?Of course! For certain projects, you will have a free text field on the gift form that will display on the donor wall within the crowdfunding platform, but we will not notify the honorary or memorial donor separately. If you would like a notification to be sent to the honorary donor or their family on your behalf, please make your gift on our traditional gift form.
Can I send a gift by mail or phone?Yes. Please contact us at 1 (800) 782-6306 or mail your check to:
Office of Advancement
Colorado College
P.O. Box 1117
Colorado Springs, CO 80901-9897
*Please enclose a copy of our gift form with your check and specify which project to which you'd like to contribute.
Resources
Club Sports Crowdfunding
Visit this document to learn more about club sports crowdfunding at CC!