JumpStart Crowdfunding Application

Engaging Supporters,

Fundraising

| 2 minutes to read

Last Updated: 03-12-2026

Summary

JumpStart is UW–Madison’s own crowdfunding platform, which empowers our faculty, staff, and students to approach fundraising projects aligned with our mission and values through personal and direct grassroots efforts. This form allows you to apply for your project or program to use the platform to raise money.

Strong crowdfunding projects have a compelling story. Before you start an application, make sure you have a specific purpose or funding need; a reasonable dollar goal; a network/email list; and a team of individuals who will share the campaign with their personal network of friends, colleagues, family members, and other potential donors, who become the crowd. Most crowdfunding projects raise $2,000–$5,000 in a 30-day time period.

If you have never run a Jumpstart campaign, and have questions before submitting an application or are looking for more information, please email AnnualGiving@Supportuw.org.

Project Leader
Name*
First*
Last*
Email*
Phone*
Is this your first Jumpstart application?*
- Yes
- No
University of Wisconsin Madison Affiliation*
- UW-Madison Faculty
- UW-Madison Staff
- UW-Madison Student
Area you represent (School/College/Department/Program/Student Org)*
Project Information
What is your project name?*
Share the fund name where you want Jumpstart gifts to go
Share the fund number where you want Jumpstart gifts to go*
Have you had a Jumpstart campaign for this specific project in the past?*
- Yes
- No
Would you like to reuse that content?*
- Yes
- No
Desired Start Date*
This is the date that your fundraising begins.
Desired End Date*
This is the date that your fundraising ends.
Network Information
The success of crowdfunding is based on e-mail and social-media postings. Use the chart below to help your fundraising goal. WFAA does not share or create email lists for projects. We have the right to ask for your list before the project is accepted.
Funding Goal Email Addresses Needed
$1,000 250
$2,500 625
$5,000 1,250
$10,000 2,500
Estimate your team's email address network size.*
- 2,000+
- 1,000 - 1,999
- 500 - 999
- 250 - 499
- Fewer than 250
Are you willing to solicit your friends, colleagues, and family for gifts?*
- Yes
- No
If you don't raise the money needed, will you still be able to proceed with the project?*
- Yes
- No
How will you say thank you to your donors?*
If not sure, we can talk about options.
Website Content
This is an example of what your page will look like.
You have chosen to not upload new content. The campaign you created in the past will be sent to you for review.
Include the name of your area in the title of the saved document.
If you want to share a video on your web page, please include the embed link at the bottom of the Word document.
Please upload your Word document.*
Please name the image file according to the area it represents, e.g. "2026_DotB_Area"; The specifications for the image are 1424x712px. You are limited to one image per area. Please refrain from using collages with logos and text in the image.
Please upload your image.*
Outline of Responsibilities
As a project leader, I am responsible for:
- - Coming up with images, video and copy for your page
- - Sending out all emails
- - Sharing your project on all your social channels
Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Associate will support you in:
- - Helping create your page
- - Consult on a strategy for your project to be successful.
Signature
By checking all boxes below (required for submission), I certify that the information submitted is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
UW-Madison policies*
- I comply with all applicable University of Wisconsin policies and U.S. laws, including those governing intellectual property, copyright, and research ethics.
Project approval process*
- I understand all projects go through an approval process and that I may have to share additional information while the application is reviewed.
Project leader responsibility*
- I understand that, if approved, I or my designated project leader will take full responsibility for managing this project, producing creative, generating the content, marketing the campaign, and thanking all donors.
Purchasing policies*
- I have reviewed the purchasing policies and understand what can and cannot be purchased.

Funding Goal		Email Addresses Needed
$1,000		250
$2,500		625
$5,000		1,250
$10,000		2,500

Please complete all required (*) fields and correct any error(s) above.