CougStarter is Washington State University's crowdfunding program, empowering registered student organizations from any campus to share their visions, ideas, and plans. CougStarter focuses on 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.
As an experiential learning opportunity, students develop and manage their own three-week campaign to fundraise for a project that is meaningful to them. In the past, students have raised money for a variety of professional development opportunities, events, and building projects. Peruse our Past Projects to learn more.
Washington State University FAQ
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a style of fundraising where a group raises money for a specific, short-term project from a large pool of people. These types of campaigns are most common online, especially on social media.
Who can apply for CougStarter?
Any Registered Student Organization (RSO), Sport Club, or Student Club from any WSU campus is welcome and encouraged to apply for CougStarter! Your club is required to have a university-sponsored account from which you spend money. Please refer to "What are the criteria for participating in CougStarter?" or reach out to wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu if you have questions about your club's eligibility.
What are the criteria for participating in CougStarter?
Clubs from ALL WSU campuses are encouraged to apply and participate in CougStarter!
The main criteria for clubs to be considered for participation in CougStarter are below:
- You are in good standing as a club at your WSU campus. The CougStarter team confirms this with each campus.
- You have a university-sponsored financial account from which you spend money
- 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, 2027
Prepare for your interview by practicing defining what your project or iteration is, how you plan to spend the money you raise, and when you plan to complete the project or iteration. If you have additional questions about selection criteria, please reach out wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu.
How many clubs are accepted?
At this time, CougStarter accepts up to 36 projects each semester. We accept applications from all WSU campuses and club categories.
How are CougStarter goals set?
The CougStarter team works directly with each club to set their goal during their interview. Our team works with clubs to set a primary goal and one to two stretch goals to fund their project. You may notice that a club's goal is raised sometime during the live fundraising period - this is approved and coordinated with the CougStarter team on a case-by-case basis.
What are CougStarter's major dates and deadlines?
The Fall 2026 key dates are below:
Applications Accepted ........... Aug. 26 - Sept. 16, 2026
Interview Sessions ..........….. Sept. 1 - Sept. 22, 2026
Welcome to CougStarter! .…… Sept. 25, 2026
(acceptance notice)
Live Onboarding ……………. Oct. 1 & Oct. 6, 2026
Active Fundraising ................. Oct. 21 - Nov. 12, 2026
Learn your Results …………. Dec. 3, 2026
Applicants will be scheduled for interviews following submission and review of their application.
Getting ahead for next semester? See key Spring 2027 dates below:
Spring Applications Accepted .......... Oct. 28 - Nov. 18, 2026
Interview Sessions .......................... Nov. 2 - Dec. 2, 2026
Welcome to CougStarter! ............... Dec. 9, 2026
(Spring acceptance notice)
Live Onboarding ............................. Jan. 14 & Jan. 19, 2027
Active Fundraising .......................... Feb. 10 - Mar. 4, 2027
Learn your Results .......................... Apr. 3, 2027
How can I best support CougStarter projects and participants?
The best way to support CougStarter projects is through making a gift to one or more project during active fundraising. Give to the project(s) that interest you most October 21 - November 12, 2026!
Additionally, support CougStarter projects by sharing them with people who may be interested! You'll make an impact by spreading the word about the work that our students are doing.
The Spring 2027 CougStarter projects will be accepting donations February 10 - March 4, 2027.
How will my gift be used?
Your gift will go directly to the project you've chosen to support and 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. If you have additional questions, please contact wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu.
Which forms of payment are accepted?
The CougStarter platform accepts payment from VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express debit/credit cards.
If you're interested in making your gift via a donor-advised fund, IRA, check, or a different way, please reach out to wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu.
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.
Learn more on the 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. Learn more on the WSU Foundation's FAQ page.
What if I have other questions about CougStarter?
We're always happy to help at wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu!
If you have any questions about accepted forms of payment, different types of gifts, or tax deductibility, please reach out to wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu.
