Welcome to Cal Poly Crowdfunding, a place where Cal Poly students, faculty, and staff can harness the power of crowdfunding to turn many smaller gifts into big opportunities.
Crowdfunding is a way to support student projects and organizations that enhance the Learn by Doing experience. Funded by donors and student supporters, Cal Poly Crowdfunding projects are fundraising campaigns that typically last 30 days.
Students create, promote, and lead their crowdfunding projects in a true Learn by Doing approach to philanthropy!
On the Cal Poly Crowdfunding site, you can:
- Discover limited-time fundraising campaigns launched by Cal Poly students that support student projects, activities, and Learn by Doing!
- Make tax-deductible donations in support of Learn by Doing, using a convenient and secure online form.
- Share student-led projects with fellow Cal Poly supporters to help generate even more interest in fundraising for student projects.
- Keep tabs on current projects and progress and stay up-to-date on the impact of your philanthropy.
Cal Poly FAQ
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Gifts to Cal Poly are deductible at the highest limits allowed for federal income or estate tax purposes.
Our federal tax identification number is 20-4927897.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is the practice of fundraising that taps into the power of crowds by asking for smaller gifts from many supporters. At Cal Poly, Crowdfunding gives student and faculty-affiliated groups on campus the opportunity to raise money for various expenses within their respective organizations, from travel expenses to new equipment to event funds and more.
INTERESTED APPLICANT FAQ
How do I apply to participate in a Crowdfunding campaign?
Go to crowdfund.calpoly.edu/submit-application or click the "Submit Application" tab at the top of the page.
When can I apply for a Crowdfunding campaign?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the below deadlines will be taken into account when determining the timing of the crowdfund project:
• Fall Cohort
- October project application due by August 31, 2026 (Projects run from October 1 - 31)
- November project application due by September 30, 2026 (Projects run from November 2 - 30)
• Spring Cohort
- February project application due by December 15, 2026 (Projects run from February 1 - 28)
- March project application due by January 31, 2027 (Projects run from March 1 - 31)
- April project application due by February 28, 2027 (Projects run from April 8 - May 8)
- May project application due by March 31, 2027 (Projects run from May 3 - 31)
How should I choose what my project's fundraising goal should be?
Check out our Past Projects page to see other Cal Poly fundraising projects! Consider a goal that is achievable for your organization and that supports a compelling reason for donors to give. Ultimately, The Crowdfund team will decide an appropriate goal based on past fundraising history.
Please note that first time student crowdfund projects will have a maximum goal amount set to $3000; however, projects are still able to surpass their goal!
What components are necessary to be considered for a Crowdfunding campaign?
• Must be a Cal Poly recognized club, organization, department, program or event
• Approval from the club advisor or supervisor
• A clear need for crowdfunding
• A realistic goal, specific target audience, and marketing plan
• Must be committed to promoting the campaign throughout the duration of the project
When will I expect to hear back about whether or not my organization was selected for a crowdfunding campaign?
Selected projects will be notified once your application has been reviewed at the top of the month. If your project is selected, Annual Giving will reach out to you via email to communicate next steps. Good luck!
Why do Crowdfunding Projects not increase the goal after it is met?
If a donor gives to help reach the original goal and we later increase it, it can unintentionally create concerns around transparency. Keeping the goal intact reinforces trust and credibility with a campaign's supporters.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Gifts to Cal Poly are deductible at the highest limits allowed for federal income or estate tax purposes.
Our federal tax identification number is 20-4927897.
Need help or have other questions?
Email crowdfund@calpoly.edu
