Welcome to Western Washington University's Crowdfunding platform, VikingFunder! This is where Western students, alumni, faculty and staff can raise money to turn projects into reality.
If you're ready to make a fundraising campaign, read the criteria below, and then apply to get set up with a VikingFunder project.
If you run into any bumps or questions, contact me at Justene.Merriman@wwu.edu. I'm the VikingFunder platform manager, and I'm here for you!
VikingFunder Campaign criteria
Campaigns on VikingFunder can be up to 30-45 days
Statistically, the first 48 hours of a campaign are the most impactful toward achieving the campaign goal. 30 day campaigns perform strongly because they drive urgency and leave time for the word to spread to people who care. Beyond 45 days, donor engagement tends to drop off dramatically.
Campaigns are limited to:
- Student clubs
- Sport clubs
- Memorial or honorarium funds
If your project doesn't fall into any of these categories, you can contact me at Justene.Merriman@wwu.edu, or you may apply for an exception. Include a note in your application that describes why you want to use VikingFunder for your project. I'll review that with my team to determine whether VikingFunder or a different fundraising solution fits best for your project.
Longer-term fundraising options
Get a permanent, direct link to donate to your fund.
You can share this link anywhere, any time! Contact me to get a link. I will need the fund designation number if you have it, and/or the official name of the fund.
Re-open a past VikingFunder campaign
If you have already done a VikingFunder campaign, we can re-open that campaign and update it after a break of at least 30 days, for another 30-45 days. This can be done multiple times. Contact me, or leave a note in your application if this is what you want to do.
Gift minimum and processing fees
The VikingFunder platform comes with a $10 minimum donation amount for any gift. This platform is run through ScaleFunder/Encoura, and managed by WWU University Advancement. Gifts made on this platform are processed as gifts to The Foundation for Western Washington University. There is a 5% fee applied to all gifts processed through the Foundation. However, the entire gift is tax deductible thanks to the Foundation's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The other 95% of each gift goes directly to the project.
Eligibility
At this time, we can only accept online gifts through VikingFunder (no cash, checks, or gifts from other platforms).
Since gifts go through the Western Washington University Foundation, there are legal protocols we have to follow:
Every project must have a current WWU faculty or staff advisor, and approval from the respective Dean & department chair. Funds raised must be used under the supervision of the WWU faculty or staff advisor.
Campaigns raising money to be passed along to other non-profits are not eligible to use Western's crowdfunding platform.
Projects must adhere to the VikingFunder Guidelines. Please review these guidelines before submitting your application.
Projects that do not meet these criteria are not eligible to utilize the VikingFunder platform.
Western Washington University FAQ
How do I make a donation to a VikingFunder campaign with a check?
You can mail a check to us at:
WWU Foundation
516 High Street, MS 9034
Bellingham, WA 98225
Please include on a note with you check that has the name of the VikingFunder you wish to support and a way to contact you should we have any questions regarding your gift, thank you!
Can I make a recurring donation or make my gift in payments?
Yes!
You can set a recurring donation of any frequency you would like by visiting our main giving portal at Western Washington University (wwu.edu)
FAQs for Donors:
Where can I mail a check to donate?
WWU Foundation
516 High Street, MS 9034
Bellingham, WA 98225
Please include on a note with your check that has the name of the VikingFunder you wish to support and a way to contact you if we have any questions regarding your gift, thank you!
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, your gift is deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes to the maximum extent allowed by the law.
How can I check if my company has a gift-matching program?
Go to foundation.wwu.edu/matching-gifts and search for your company. If they have a gift matching program with us, everything you need to know about how to make a matched gift will come up there. It's a few extra steps, but they're easy steps!
Will I receive a receipt for my contribution?
Yes, your gift is processed immediately and you will receive an official receipt via email.
When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged immediately upon finalizing your gift on VikingFunder.
Whom should I contact with questions about my contribution?
For general questions about your gift, please call (360) 650-3027
FAQ's for prospective fundraising groups:
How can I apply to host a fundraising project?
Any WWU faculty, staff or student may apply. You must have a departmental/group advisor and an existing WWU fund set up that can accept donations.
You can submit a new project application on VikingFunder at Submit a Project Idea! (vikingfunder.com)
What does it take to have a successful project?
-A compelling story, ideally with a 1-2 minute video that clearly demonstrates your need.
-Willingness to reach out to a large network of people for support.
-A comprehensive communication plan that includes the use of personal email, social media and face to face solicitations.
-Willingness to invest time and effort into planning for, launching, and fundraising for your campaign.
What will not be considered for a VikingFunder project?
-Salaries
-Money for personal tuition, however projects that raise funds for new scholarships where students are eligible to apply will be considered.
-Fundraisers for other Non-Profits
- Anything else that does not fit within our Guidelines
Are there fees associated with VikingFunder?
There is a 5% advancement fee applied to all gifts, regardless of whether you give on VikingFunder or another way. However, the entire gift is tax deductible.
How does the selection process work?
Once a project inquiry is made, WWU University Advancement will follow up with the project owner if they have additional questions about the project. The applicant’s department, development staff, student group advisor, etc. may be notified when an application is submitted and/or chosen. WWU University Advancement will be responsible for reviewing all applications and selecting projects for VikingFunder.
WWU University Advancement will provide training for selected projects and ongoing consultation to all participants throughout the projects.
Applications to register projects are open now. Campaigns will typically last for ~30 days.
Questions?
Please contact WWU University Advancement at forwestern@wwu.edu.
