JumpStart Application | Advancement Resources

JumpStart is UW–Madison’s own crowdfunding platform, which empowers our faculty and staff to approach fundraising projects aligned with our mission and values through personal and direct grassroots efforts.

Strong crowdfunding projects have a compelling story. Before you start an application, make sure you have a specific purpose or funding need; a reasonable dollar goal; a network/email list; and a team of individuals who will share the campaign with their personal network of friends, colleagues, family members, and other potential donors, who become the crowd. Most crowdfunding projects raise $2,000–$10,000 in a 30-day time period.

Applications can take 30–40 minutes to complete, but you have the ability to save and come back and complete within 30 days. After 30 days, your application will expire.
Project Leader
Name*
First Last
Email*
Phone*
Other Phone
University of Wisconsin Madison Affiliation*
- UW-Madison Faculty
- UW-Madison Staff
School/Unit Affiliation*
Project approved by:
Name*
First Last
Email*

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Project Information
The story of your crowdfunding project is a key component of making it successful. Stories draw people in, help them relate to you as an individual or team of individuals, and inspire excitement around your idea.
What is your project name?*
Does your project involve research?*
- Yes
- No
What is your desired fundraising goal?*
Campaign Start Date*
Campaign Duration*
When are funds needed?*
Project leaders are recommended to apply a minimum of 90 days before funds are needed.
Have you consulted with anyone in your school/unit prior to submitting this application?*
- Yes
- No
Who did you reach out to and when?*

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Network Information
The success of crowdfunding is based on e-mail and social-media postings. Use the chart below to help your fundraising goal. WFAA does not share or create email lists for projects. (We have the right to ask for your list before the project is accepted.)

Funding Goal		Email Addresses Needed
$1,000		250
$2,500		625
$5,000		1,250
$10,000		2,500

Estimate your team's email address network size.*
- 2,000+
- 1,000 - 1,999
- 500 - 999
- 250 - 499
- Fewer than 250
Are you willing to solicit your friends, colleagues, and family for gifts?*
- Yes
- No
Pitch your project*
Use this space to summarize your project. Who are you, what are you raising money for, and why should donors support your project?
Project impact*
Use this space to answer the following questions: What impact will your project have? Why is it important? How will you be successful in raising money?
If you don't raise the money needed, will you still be able to proceed with the project?*
- Yes
- No
Break down your project budget.*
If you reach your fundraising goal, how exactly will you spend your funds?
Do you have a fund at the University of Wisconsin Foundation for this project?*
- Yes
- No
- Unsure
Please enter the fund name below*

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It is important to engage your audience with creative material. You are able to include pictures and a video to show the impact of your project. Campaigns launched with a pitch video raise approximately 115% more compared to those without one. (Source: Indiegogo)
Do you have video footage you could use for your project?*
(1-2 minutes)
- Yes
- No
Do you have the ability to create a short video?*
(1-2 minutes)
- Yes
- No
Do you have photos you could use for your project to tell your story?*
- Yes
- No

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Team Information
The team will support the project leader and will help promote and update the project, as well as thank donors.
Team members*
List the other members of your team. At least one is required. Please include names, relationships, and contact information.
Name: Relationship: Email:
Social media*
- Facebook (organizational)
- Facebook (personal)
- YouTube
- Instagram
- Twitter
- Other
- None
Check which social media platforms you will use to promote your crowdfunding project.
Facebook (organizational)*
Facebook (personal)*
YouTube*
Instagram*
Twitter*
Other*
Time commitment*
Your team will need to provide updates and remain actively engaged (new videos, postings, social media engagement and/or e-mail). Your team will have to commit a minimum of two hours per person per week to be successful. Explain how you and your team will stay committed for the duration of the project.
Signature
By checking all boxes below (required for submission), I certify that the information submitted is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
UW-Madison policies*
- I comply with all applicable University of Wisconsin policies and U.S. laws, including those governing intellectual property, copyright, and research ethics.
Project approval process*
- I understand all projects go through an approval process and that I may have to share additional information while the application is reviewed.
Project leader responsibility*
- I understand that, if approved, I or my designated project leader will take full responsibility for managing this project, producing creative, generating the content, marketing the campaign, and thanking all donors.
Purchasing policies*
- I have reviewed the purchasing policies and understand what can and cannot be purchased.

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Step 1 of 5

Project Leader

Project approved by:

Project Information

Network Information

Team Information

Signature