About Crowdfunding

Welcome to Western Washington University's Crowdfunding platform, VikingFunder, where students, alumni, faculty & staff can raise money to turn their passion projects & great ideas into reality! 


Eligibility Guidelines

While 100% of the money raised on the VikingFunder platform goes to the projects, gifts made on the platform are treated as gifts to Western Washington University Foundation. They are tax-deductible under the Western Foundation’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. They go through Western’s online giving, gift processing, receipting, and recording protocols. Therefore, use of the platform is restricted to projects that meet certain eligibility criteria.

1) Projects must have a Western advisor (faculty member, staff member, or officially-recognized student organization) and approval from the respective Dean & department chair.

2) Funds raised must be used under the supervision of the Western advisor. (This means that campaigns raising money that will be passed along to other non-profits are *not* eligible to use the Western crowdfunding platform.)

3) Projects must adhere to the VikingFunder Guidelines. Please review the VikingFunder Guidelines here 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)

 

FAQ’s 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. 

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 aa 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?

Only the 5% administrative gift fee is applied to all gifts, regardless of whether you give on VikingFunder or another way. However, you still get credit for 100% of the gift you make, including the fee.

How does the selection process work?

Once a project inquiry is made, the WWU Annual Giving office will follow up with the project owner if they have additional questions about the project. The applicant’s departmental and development staff, student group advisor, etc. may be notified when an application is submitted and/or chosen. The WWU Annual Giving team will be responsible for reviewing all applications and selecting projects for VikingFunder.

The WWU Annual Giving team 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 Annual Giving at giving@wwu.edu

Our Crowdfunding Groups