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204.2 - Crowdfunding Policy

1. Purpose

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Foundation Inc. provides crowdfunding opportunities twice a year for UAFS departments, organizations, and special projects. Crowdfunding supports innovation and helps bring ideas to life by connecting students, faculty, and staff with alumni, community supporters, parents, and friends.

No funds will be accepted through the UAFS Foundation Inc. for outside crowdfunding efforts.

2. Definitions

  • Campaign: The process of obtaining funding through crowdfunding
  • Crowdfunding: Funding a project by soliciting small donations from a large population, typically online
  • Project: The initiative being funded (research, student organization, athletics, etc.)
  • Project Manager: The individual leading the campaign and managing a minimum five-person team; must have UAFS affiliation

3. Platform Capabilities (Mobile Cause)

  • Text to Donate (e.g., Text NPOGT to 51555)
  • Online Giving Forms
  • RSVP and Ticketing
  • Sponsorships
  • Table Captains
  • Event Thermometer
  • Pledge Fulfillment
  • Livestream Events
  • Event Pages
  • Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
  • Forms (Volunteer, Subscribe, Membership, T-shirt orders, COVID testing, etc.)

4. Crowdfunding Project Guidelines

  • Campaigns may run up to 30 days
  • Funding goals should range from $1,000–$5,000
  • Project leaders should have access to social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
  • Projects must include a team of at least five individuals
  • The team must support planning, promotion, and campaign execution

5. Application Timelines

  • Application Period 1: July 1 – August 15
  • Project Period 1: September 1 – December 1
  • Application Period 2: January 1 – February 15
  • Project Period 2: March 1 – June 1

Day of Giving: April 28

Projects may apply for inclusion in the university-wide Day of Giving campaign. Applications are due in February.

6. Project Requirements

Projects must meet the following minimum requirements prior to submission:

  • An established Foundation or University fund
  • A realistic and defined financial goal
  • A designated project manager
  • A completed application
  • Commitment to recruiting supporters

6.1 Required Approvals

Campaign/Project Type Approving Official Caveats
Research Dean or Provost  
Registered Student Organization Dean of Students or Director of Student Life  
Athletics Athletic Director  
Facilities Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration May also require Dean/Provost approval depending on project
Students (Undergraduate/Graduate) Dean of College/School May involve additional offices
Scholarships UAFS Foundation  

7. Application Process

Applications and crowdfunding authorization forms must be submitted to:

giving.uafs.edu

The Office of Annual Giving and Project Review Committee will evaluate submissions. Projects may be:

  • Approved
  • Delayed for revisions
  • Declined

If approved, development begins immediately, including:

  • Content creation
  • Timeline development
  • Research
  • Weekly coordination meetings

Project success is the responsibility of the project team. The Vice Chancellor of Advancement reserves the right to cancel campaigns lacking sufficient support.

Application limits may be implemented based on available resources.