© 2023 Washington State University, All Rights Reserved
CougStarter is a crowdfunding program that allows Washington State University registered student organizations to share their visions, ideas and plans. Generous WSU donors then 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.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project by asking for several small monetary gifts from a large number of people, typically via the internet. For CougStarter teams, this will consist of sharing your project and asking for donations to meet your fundraising goal. You can use emails, text messages and social media content tailored for friends, family and other students. Your goal as a team will be helping your audience gain a better understanding of your team's goals while providing an opportunity to donate.
How many groups will be accepted into the CougStarter program?
We will accept up to six well-qualified groups into the CougStarter program.
Who can apply for CougStarter?
WSU registered student organizations or groups that are passionate about crowdfunding for a project, have any gift ID work tag in workday*, and are in good standing with the university can apply. Please contact wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu if you have any questions or would like to be considered in the future!
*If you are unsure if you have a gift ID work tag in Workday, email our team.
What are the major dates and deadlines associated with CougStarter?
Application period:.................................................................. Sept. 6 – Oct. 11, 2023
Application screening and interviews......................................Sept. 13 - Oct. 11, 2023
Selected groups notified as early as:.................................................... Sept. 13, 2023
Mandatory CougStarter student group onboarding:....................... Oct. 11 - 18, 2023
Groups build campaign pages*:...................................................... Oct. 12 - 23, 2023
CougStarter is live and accepting gifts:.................................................. Oct. 25, 2023
CougStarter closes, last day to make a gift:...........................................Nov. 15, 2023
Campaign final results announcement:..................................................Nov. 16, 2023
*All campaign pages require final approval by WSU Foundation before going live.
Applicants will be scheduled for virtual interviews following submission 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.
Please email wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu if you have more specific questions.
When can I make my gift?
The 2023 Fall CougStarter campaigns will go live on October 25, 2023. You can make your gift(s) anytime during Oct. 25 - Nov. 15, 2023. If you would like to continue supporting any of the participating groups after November 15, 2023, you can do so here.
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!
If you're unable to make a monetary donation, you can sign up to be an ambassador and spread the word about the students and their projects! Ambassadors are key to a crowdfunding project's success. Social media and peer-to-peer engagement is what crowdfunding is all about! Being an ambassador is about more than following a project on social media - you will make an impact by actively sharing the project throughout the duration of the campaign with your family, friends and fellow Cougs.
Which forms of payment are accepted?
The CougStarter platform accepts payment from VISA, MasterCard, and Discover cards.
Are there any fees associated?
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 here.
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 wish to donate using gifts of stock, an IRA, or a donor-advised fund (DAF), please call 509-335-6686 for assistance.
Whom should I contact with other questions about CougStarter?
Please email the CougStarter team with any additional questions about the campaign.
Email: wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu
If you have any questions about accepted forms of payment, different types of gifts or tax deductibility, please refer to our FAQ.