CougStarter is Washington State University's crowdfunding program, empowering registered student organizations from any campus to share their visions, ideas, and plans.
Generous WSU donors and alumni have the opportunity to help bring these projects to life!
CougStarter focuses on programs and projects that enrich the WSU student experience, create opportunities to give back to our communities, and foster personal and professional development. CougStarter encourages the WSU family to support students through giving, advocacy and active engagement.
With the help of the CougStarter team, student groups will have the opportunity to run their own three-week campaign to fundraise for an event or project. In the past, students have raised money for a variety of professional development opportunities. View our Past Projects (opens in new tab).
Washington State University FAQ
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project by asking for several small monetary gifts from a large number of people, and it's typically most successful on social media platforms. Participating groups raise money by sharing their project on their social media pages and asking for donations to meet their fundraising goal. Your goal as a team is to share your goals with your network and ask them to get involved by making a donation. You will achieve this through active outreach and storytelling. The CougStarter Team supports your efforts through coaching and regular office hours.
Who can apply for CougStarter?
Any Registered Student Organization or Club from any campus in the WSU System is welcome and encouraged to apply for CougStarter! A good way to know if your club is eligible to apply is that you're currently listed on your campus' CougPresence site. The only other requirement is a Gift ID (e.g. GF####) and/or a PG0000XXXX (commonly called a program number, sub-fund, or subaccount) that you spend money from. The CougStarter Team will work with you to determine this information. If you have further questions, please contact wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu (opens email dialogue).
What are the criteria for participating in CougStarter?
We expect CougStarter participants to be communicative with the CougStarter team, finish their pages on time, and complete stewardship activities within one month of finishing the campaign. The selection criteria for clubs to participate in CougStarter are below:
- You are listed as an organization on your campus' CougPresence site
- You have a PG Number and/or GF Gift Designation
- You complete a virtual or phone interview with a member of the CougStarter Team
- Your project has a specific goal that can be funded by June 30, 2026
The most successful crowdfunding campaigns have a clear cause with project team members who consistently promote the project and ask for donations. The CougStarter team coaches you on how to make for a donation, promote your project, and get your club members involved. If you have additional questions about selection criteria, please reach out to our team at wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu (opens email dialogue).
Is there a limit on the number of projects per semester?
At this time, we can host up to 30 student projects on the CougStarter Crowdfunding Platform.
What are the major dates and deadlines associated with CougStarter?
Application period .................................................................. Aug. 27 - Sept. 17, 2025
Application screening and interviews .................................... Aug. 28 - Sept. 24, 2025
CougStarter Fall 2025 projects announced ........................... Sept. 20, 2025
Live onboarding sessions ...................................................... Oct. 2, 2025 & Oct. 6, 2025
CougStarter participants build project pages* ....................... Oct. 3 - Oct. 20, 2025
Pages published to CougStarter homepage ......................... Oct. 20, 2025
CougStarter is live and accepting gifts ................................... Oct. 22, 2025
CougStarter closes, last day to make a gift ............................ Nov. 12, 2025
ThankView Video Deadline ..................................................... Nov. 20, 2025
Final results announcement .................................................... Dec. 12, 2025
*All project pages require final approval by the CougStarter Team before going live.
Applicants will be scheduled for virtual interviews following submission and review of their application.
What are the benefits of participating in CougStarter?
CougStarter empowers registered student organizations to advocate for their projects and raise money to bring them to life. It's your opportunity to share the amazing work you're doing and get the WSU family involved through advocacy, active engagement and philanthropic support. As a benefit to you, the WSU Foundation promotes the CougStarter platform on various channels to increase exposure of all active projects.
Please email wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu (opens email dialogue) if you have more specific questions.
When can I make my gift?
The Fall 2025 CougStarter projects will go live on October 22, 2025. You can make your gift(s) anytime during Oct. 22 - Nov. 12, 2025. If you would like to continue supporting any of the participating groups after Nov. 12, 2025, you can learn more about doing so on the WSU Foundation Website.
How will my gift be used?
Your gift will go directly to the project you've chosen to support. It will be used to help the group complete their project. Please refer to the specific project page to learn more about how your support will make an impact.
How else can I support a CougStarter project?
The best way to make an immediate impact for WSU's student groups is to make a gift during the campaign - every gift adds up to help make student projects come to life!
Additionally, you can share these projects with your family, friends, and fellow Cougs! You will make an impact by actively sharing the project and asking your connections to get involved by making a gift.
Which forms of payment are accepted?
The CougStarter platform accepts payment from VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express debit/credit cards.
Are there any fees associated?
There is no cost to participate in CougStarter. However, a 5% advancement fee is applied to gifts processed by the WSU Foundation to help offset direct operating costs related to soliciting, processing and stewarding private contributions, and to provide the resources necessary to encourage greater philanthropic support for Washington State University. Upon receipt of a gift, the Foundation will deduct the one-time advancement fee from the amount gifted. While the fee will have only a minor effect on individual funds, its collective impact will encourage sustained growth in private support across the University.
Learn more about the WSU Foundation Disclosure of Fees and Assessments webpage.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes, gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. You must claim the gift as an itemized deduction on your tax return.
The WSU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is structurally separate from Washington State University and exists solely for WSU’s benefit, serving as the preferred channel for private gifts to all areas of the University.
The WSU Foundation’s taxpayer identification number is 91-1075542.
Can I donate using gifts of stock, my IRA, or a donor-advised fund?
If you would like to give in any way other than a credit or debit transaction, please contact wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu (opens email dialogue).
What if I have other questions about CougStarter?
We're always happy to help at wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu (opens email dialogue)!
If you have any questions about accepted forms of payment, different types of gifts or tax deductibility, please refer to our About Page (opens in new tab).
