Crowdfunding at SJSU

Faculty, registered student organizations, alumni networks and campus partners with an established Tower or Associated Student account can raise money for projects that directly benefit Spartans. You get your own giving page, a set time to raise money, and the Annual Giving team working with you from start to finish.

Spartan Sprint runs every fall in two rounds: the October Sprint and the November Sprint. A limited number of projects take part in each, from student travel to research equipment to programs for students.

1857 Minutes of Giving happens every spring, when the whole SJSU community gives at once for 1,857 minutes.

100% of what you raise through an Associated Student or Tower Foundation account goes to your project. There are no platform fees.

Ready to Launch a Project?
Applications for 1857 Minutes of Giving are now open. Application deadline is February 8, 2027. 

Fall Spartan Sprint applications are closed for this year and open again in late August.

Key dates for 2027

  • November 4, 2026: applications open
  • February 8: applications close
  • March 2: soft launch, so your closest supporters can give early
  • March 16 and 17: 1857 Minutes of Giving, live for 31 hours
  • March 31: last day gifts count toward your total

Projects that weren't picked for a fall Sprint are welcome to apply.

Already have supporters ready to give, but your timing doesn't line up with these dates? Write to us at crowdfunding@sjsu.edu to discuss.

The Three Phases of a Campaign

Every project goes through the same three phases, from getting ready to saying thank you.

Phase 1: Quiet Phase (2 to 4 weeks before launch)

This is when you pull your pieces together: your story, your photos, your team and a goal you can reach. Ask your closest supporters to give early so your page shows about 25% of your goal on launch day, and line up at least one match or challenge. For 1857 Minutes of Giving, early gifts start at the soft launch on March 2.

Crowdfunding University and a live orientation will help you through this phase.
First-time project leads complete Crowdfunding University and attend one orientation. Returning teams are welcome to use both as a refresher.

Phase 2: Active Phase (about 4 weeks for a Sprint, 31 hours for 1857 Minutes of Giving)

Your page is live. Share it by email, on social media and in person, and ask your Advocates to share it with their networks. A match at the halfway point and another near the end keeps gifts coming.

Phase 3: Stewardship & Reporting

Thanking donors happens in two steps:

  1. GiveCampus sends an automatic thank-you the moment someone gives.
  2. Three to six weeks after giving closes, once the final report is ready (including offline gifts and match totals), you send each donor a personal thank-you.

5 Steps to Launch

1. Apply

Fill out the application before the deadline. You'll need your account number and approval from your Dean or Director (departments) or your Advisor or Support Staff (Student organizations and Alumni networks).

2. Vet

The University Advancement Annual Giving Team reviews every application to make sure it has an active account, a project that directly benefits SJSU students or campus programs, and an achievable goal, along with high quality digital assets. A limited number of projects are picked for each Sprint.

3. Onboard

First-time teams complete Crowdfunding University at their own pace and attend a live orientation. 

4. Build and Test

Complete the application with your story, 1 to 5 photos and your goal, and we build your GiveCampus page. You check it before it goes live and let us know about any typos or critical errors. You will also receive a social media Kit written for your project, so your team can start sharing with your community of supporters.

5. Go Live

Share your crowdfunding page everywhere you can and keep your Advocates updated so they can post the most current update for your page. At the end of the campaign, you/ your advisor will receive a donor report 4-6 weeks after so you can thank every non-anonymous donor.

Eligibility and Expectations

Requirements

  • Account: An active Tower Foundation account or an A.S. account (Recognized Student Organizations).
  • Project: The money must directly benefit SJSU students or campus programs. You can't raise funds for an outside nonprofit.
  • Approval: From your Dean or Director (departments) or your Advisor or Support Staff (student clubs) before you apply.
  • Photos: 1 to 5 photos of your team or the students you serve. A short video is welcome but not required.

Expectations for Project Leads

  • Share your page with your own contacts by email, on social media and in person while it's live.
  • Build a team of at least 4 active team members, including the project lead.
  • Recruit at least 3 Advocates to share your page.
  • Have at least one match or challenge ready for launch day.
  • Thank your donors personally once the final report is ready.

Key Success Drivers

Looking back at past SJSU projects, the ones that have reached their goals have three things in common:

  1. They recruit active Advocates early. Teams with active Advocates sharing their link from the start were the most likely to reach their goal.
  2. They raise money before launch. About 25% of the goal from close supporters means the page shows real progress on day one.
  3. They follow up personally. Telling donors what their gift paid for brings them back next time.

Resources and Contact

 

Crowdfunding One-Pager

Both programs, key dates and what we ask of you, on one page you can bookmark or print.

Open the One-Pager


Crowdfunding FAQ

Answers about accounts, fees, deadlines, Advocates and what happens after giving closes.

Browse the FAQ


How GiveCampus Works

What your giving page can do and who does what on your team.

 

University Advancement · Annual Giving

 Location: Clark Hall, Floor 3
 Email: crowdfunding@sjsu.edu

Questions about timing, or a project that doesn't fit the dates above? Email us and we'll find a time to talk.