Our Crowdfunding Groups
FundISU is a crowdfunding platform to help Iowa State University community members raise money to support their passion projects. Projects on the FundISU platform advance innovation, teaching and learning at the university and promote Iowa State’s mission to create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.
What kinds of projects can apply to use FundISU?
Anyone on campus can apply to FundISU, provided they are either officially affiliated with an academic unit or recognized as a student organization by The Division of Student Affairs with sponsored or affiliated status. FundISU welcomes applications from faculty, staff and student teams with at least six members. If you are unsure about whether or not your project is suitable for FundISU, please email Kristin Erdman at the ISU Foundation: fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu
Who decides that a project will be added to FundISU?
The ISU Foundation will review applications and work closely with the dean of the college in which the project is associated, or when necessary with the Division of Student Affairs, to approve applications based on university priorities and project essentials: team commitment, project appeal and goal achievement potential.
When are applications accepted?
Applications for new projects are accepted on an ongoing basis.
After submitting a completed application, please allow 1-3 weeks for application approval. Once a project is approved to use FundISU, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for project set up before the campaign is live and fundraising can begin.
How much information do I need to provide on the application?
Provide as much information as possible. It is easier to assess project potential if you answer each question specifically and explain why you possess the tools to run a successful crowdfunding project. Projects must appeal to a broad audience and have the potential to go viral on social media. In your application, explain how your group is unique and what you would do with the funds that you raise.
How do groups access the funds they raise?
Funds will only be deposited into ISU Foundation accounts. ISU Foundation staff will work with project team leaders and, when necessary, establish appropriate accounts to ensure a proper university disbursement authority is in place.
What is an appropriate funding goal for projects?
Crowdfunding projects typically raise between $1,000-$10,000. We will consider each project's goal on a case-by-case basis.
How do I apply to use this platform?
Applications can be submitted through the "Apply" button at the top of the FundISU homepage.
After submitting a completed application, please allow 1-3 weeks for application approval. Once a project is approved to use FundISU, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for project set up before the campaign is live and fundraising can begin.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Call Kristin Erdman at the ISU Foundation at 515-297-8616 or email fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu.
What is FundISU? FundISU is a crowdfunding tool that enables alumni, parents and friends to help students and faculty fund their passion projects and make a difference at Iowa State University.
Is my donation tax deductible? Yes. You will receive a receipt for your donation from the ISU Foundation. If you select a contribution level that has a thank-you gift, the cash value of the gift will be deducted from the total amount of the contribution.
When will my credit card be charged and is the site secure? Your credit card will be charged immediately. This site uses industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) servers on our transaction pages. It encrypts all of your personal information including name, address, and credit card number to prevent unauthorized access as the information travels over the Internet.
Where is my donation going? Your donation will be processed by the ISU Foundation and sent directly to the project, minus a processing fee (never exceeding 5%) assessed to recover the cost of hosting the FundISU site.
What if a project doesn’t meet its funding goal? If the campaign falls short of its funding goal, the funds raised will still be released to the project sponsor. In the event that a project cannot be undertaken because of the shortfall, the money raised will be retained by the sponsoring college or unit for use on a project with similar goals.
What happens if a project is overfunded? If a campaign raises more than its stated funding goal, the ISU Foundation will work with the project sponsor to determine whether the surplus should be used to expand or enhance the project, or reserved for use by similar projects in the future.
Who can I contact with additional questions? Call Kristin Erdman at the ISU Foundation at 515-297-8616 or email fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu
How do I apply to use this platform? Call Kristin Erdman at the ISU Foundation at 515-297-8616 or email fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu.