Frequently Asked Questions
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet, social media, and word of mouth.
Donors on most crowdfunding platforms make a donation to support your passion and idea, and be involved in your project.
Who can utilize the SNC Crowdfunding platform?
SNC crowdfunder assists SNC faculty, staff and students to raise awareness about causes and achieve their fundraising goals. Crowdfunding works best for projects and campaigns with clear and specific goals, rather than for general, unrestricted fundraising.
Where can I find the SNC Crowdfunding application?
You can click here for the application process and application.
How are projects approved after they have submitted an application?
The Annual Giving department with the input of a special committee will review the application. Upon approval, the Annual Giving staff will work with the project leader to discuss next steps including timing. To be selected, a project must demonstrate commitment, project appeal and potential for goal achievement.
Who sets the campaign timeline and goals?
You! While projects must align with St. Norbert College’s crowdfunding timing, much of how the projects are constructed are determined by the project team and leader. The Annual Giving office staff will work with you to ensure the project goal is relative to the community and audience size.
Typically the length of the campaigns are 30 days and have an average funding goal between $3,000-$12,000. The final goal amount should be determined based on the strength of the project team's networks and partnerships.
What makes a project successful on this site?
Successful projects are ones that integrate our best practice recommendations in outreach, include a 30 day social media and marketing plan, and build a strong crowdfunding team of people to contribute to their crowdfunding efforts. Every member of the project team must be actively engaging their social communities and networks.
What are the responsibilities of the crowdfunding project members?
There are typically 3 phases of a crowdfunding campaign. Your project team will work the annual giving office to complete each phase below.
Quiet (4-6 weeks before launch)
- Setting up meetings with annual giving office
- Creating a team and establishing/delegating roles
- Gathering marketing materials (photos, video, written content etc)
- Forming contacts list
Active phase (30-60 days)
- Sharing project link through social media, email, text etc
- Thanking donors as they give
- Monitor goal and perhaps raise goal if initial one was met
Stewardship phase
- Steward donors that haven’t been thanked yet
- Post final updates to donors and possibly a thankyou video