ImpactUC is the University of Cincinnati Foundation's crowdfunding platform for fundraising. Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet. 

At the University of Cincinnati, crowdfunding is a cause-based fundraising program designed to identify supporters and facilitate philanthropic action. The platform enables advocates to reach out to personal networks (friends, family, colleagues, etc.) to create a "crowd" and invite them to support their cause. 

Who can utilize the ImpactUC platform? ImpactUC project teams must be part of the University of Cincinnati community via an academic department, student group or other official entity. ImpactUC assists UC 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.

How much time will it take to create and manage a project through ImpactUC? Project campaigns run for 30 days, but plan on your project requiring 10-12 weeks of focused, intense work before and after the campaign. The project lead will need to provide updates and remain actively engaged (new videos, social media postings and email). It is recommended that the project lead commit one (1) hour per day, and each team member commit 30-60 minutes per day, for the length of the active campaign.

Typical Campaign Timeline

- Quiet Phase (campaign pre-launch): This phase should begin approximately 4-6 weeks before the project’s launch date. This time will be spent getting your campaign ready (writing content, creating videos, compiling your email list, developing strategies, etc.). Your project team will have several meetings with the Office of Annual Giving to help you develop and plan your project.

- Active Phase (campaign launch): This phase will last 30 days and constitutes the live campaign. These weeks are crucial. During the campaign, team members are expected to send out at least six (6) email “asks” to their personal contact lists, make four (4) or more updates to their project page, push out asks via social media, and otherwise make themselves available to answer questions about and raise awareness around their project.

- Thank-You Phase (post-campaign): After the project, groups are responsible for sending thank-you emails and final updates to donors. Remember — making your donors feel special now means that they will want to come back and support your next project.

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 team must be 100% committed to actively engaging their social communities and networks. 

What will I need to create and manage a project through ImpactUC? An effective way to engage donors to support your cause through crowdfunding is with an emotional and compelling fundraising page. When possible, create such a page with pictures and videos that tell a convincing and irresistible story, as well as explain how much money is needed and how funds will be utilized.

Where can I find the ImpactUC application?  Apply here. 

How are projects approved after an application is submitted? The UC Foundation's Crowdfunding Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine the eligibility of submitted applications. Upon approval, the Office of Annual Giving will work with the Project Lead to discuss next steps, including timing.

Who sets the campaign timeline and goals? You! While projects must align with Impact UC's timing, much of how the projects are constructed is determined by the project leads. The UC Foundation team will work with the Project Lead to ensure the project goal is relative to the community size.

Typically, the length of a campaign is 30 days with an average funding goal between $2,000-$10,000. The final goal amount should be determined based on the strength of the project team's networks and partnerships.

What happens if the project doesn't reach its goal?  If the project falls short of its targeted fundraising goal (as sometimes occurs), the project will still keep the amount raised but must use it based on the initial intent of the project. The project manager should explain to the donors how the money raised will be used if this occurs. 

How will people learn about my project on ImpactUC? Crowdfunding relies on personal networking. Your best supporters love UC, but they really love you and your project. Crowdfunding is a peer-to-peer solicitation rather than an institutional solicitation. Use your personal, group, department or team’s email lists, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, LinkedIn groups, etc., to promote your project. It’s best to bring your own “crowd.” If you and your team do not have a pre-existing audience (personal or otherwise), then crowdfunding might not be the best platform to raise money for your project.

How can I apply to use the ImpactUC platform? We require all potential faculty and student organization project managers to complete an info session with the Office of Annual Giving. This is provides the greatest amount of knowledge and information in order to adequately prepare you for the rigors of crowdfunding.

Who manages the ImpactUC platform? The University of Cincinnati Foundation Office of Annual Giving -  51 Goodman Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45219

Contact: Rachel Lampkin, Director for Annual Giving, at (513) 556-3294 or rachel.lampkin@foundation.uc.edu