Are you a Jayhawk who wants to make a difference? If you have an idea for a project that will support the University of Kansas, LaunchKU can help. 

LaunchKU is a crowdfunding initiative by KU Endowment that helps University of Kansas students, faculty and staff raise funds. LaunchKU also offers donors a new way to provide direct support to the people, schools and programs that are most meaningful to them. To learn more about KU Endowment’s mission, visit www.kuendowment.org.

To apply, visit our online application. 

Application deadlines for student organization projects are as follows: 

• Apply by September 22, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. to crowdfund October 16 - November 17, 2023.
• Apply by February 23, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. to crowdfund April 1-May 3, 2024
  

Projects are accepted outside of these dates on a case-by-case basis. Please provide as much information as possible to help KU Endowment staff assess whether your project qualifies for the LaunchKU platform.

If you have questions, please contact Brenna Leahy, Multichannel Digital Campaign Coordinator, at bleahy@kuendowment.org or 785-832-7338.

Fundraiser information

Is crowdfunding through the LaunchKU platform right for you?

Crowdfunding works when you tap into a large network of supporters who feel a strong connection to your project. You need four key things to succeed in a crowdfunding campaign:

1.  Project and story that touches donors’ hearts 
   • Keep your focus on one initiative or project. This isn’t a space for general fundraising for your organization, unit or department.
   • Tell your story in a way that pulls at the heartstrings of supporters who care about the same things you do, and tell it with passion.
2. Specific, achievable financial goal ($2,000-$8,000)
   • Tell your donors why you need this specific amount of funding.
   • Paint a picture of the impact their gifts will have on the KU community.
3. Campaign leader with a strong time commitment
   • Commit to spending time on the project every day of the 30-day campaign.
   • Create a plan to get the word out about your project’s fundraising efforts.
   • Respond to and engage with donors or potential donors quickly.
   • Talk to your supporters daily on social media, through email, in person or through phone calls.
4. Audience or partners you can ask to donate and spread the word 
   • You need cheerleaders. Who will share your message?
   • Is there a group, department or professional partner that will help?
   • Do you already have a social media following or a partner who will connect with their followers?
   • If you don’t have an audience, crowdfunding may not be the right tool for you.

If you have all four facets in place, LaunchKU can help. KU Endowment provides a free platform for your use, as well as advice and feedback throughout the process. But crowdfunding is a lot of work. You must commit to promoting your project via email and social media during the 30 days of your campaign. Please choose a campaign timeline during which you can be actively engaged in raising awareness for your project.

Key requirements

Faculty and staff need:

• Support of your dean
• An existing KU Endowment account where funds raised can be deposited.

Students need:

• An existing KU Endowment account where funds can be deposited or a SOFAS account where funds can be transferred.
• Permission from your advisor.

Get started!

If you answered ‘yes’ to all these questions, we encourage you to apply to participate in LaunchKU using our online application. Applications for faculty and staff projects are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are selected at the discretion of KU Endowment. If you have questions, please contact Brenna Leahy, Sr. Multichannel Digital Campaign Coordinator, at bleahy@kuendowment.org or 785-832-7338.

Learn more about KU Endowment’s mission at www.kuendowment.org.