Crowdfunding SJSU

View all active SJSU Crowdfunding projects

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

Please check Crowdfunding application questions to make sure you have all the required information to build your campaign. 

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

Phase 1: Spark your idea and build on it in the Quiet phase

Goal: Gather your content and build your team to support your project.

Typical duration: 2–4 weeks

Check SJSU Crowdfunding Google Site for more information. 

Phase 2: Launch your Campaign during the Active phase

Goal: Prioritize your most active and supportive donor base; maintain weekly communication and social media updates.

Typical duration: 4-8 weeks 

Phase 3: Thank, Report, Re-engage in the Stewardship phase

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. Onboarding (Optional): Book a time to walk through the new crowdfunding platform and learn about ways to engage with your donors.
  3. Vetting: The Annual Giving team reviews for platform fit, content capacity, timeline, and compliance.
  4.  Building & testing: Review and finalize page layout; 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

  •  You should have a Tower or Associated Student account. 
  • Projects must clearly and directly benefit ONLY SJSU students or community members. Funds cannot be raised to donate to external charities.
  •  Campaign leads 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 built on GiveCampus have in common:

  • Advocates engaged early. 
  • Pre-seeded momentum (~25% of donors identified in Quiet Phase)
  • Matches/Challenges staged for Day 1, mid-campaign, and final sprint  gave the needed boost to hit goal. 
  • Personalized stewardship (Thank yous) helped boost their donor pipeline.

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.