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What is CougStarter?
CougStarter is a crowdfunding program that allows Washington State University student organizations and groups to share their visions, ideas, and plans – and for generous WSU donors to help bring them to life.
Focused 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 allows the WSU family to support students through giving, advocacy, and active engagement.
How many groups will be accepted into the CougStarter program?
The goal is to 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. 7 – Oct. 12, 2022
Application screening and interviews......................................Sept. 14 - Oct. 12, 2022
Selected groups notified as early as:.................................................... Sept. 14, 2022
Mandatory CougStarter student group onboarding:....................... Oct. 12 - 21, 2022
Groups build campaign pages*:...................................................... Oct. 12 - 21, 2022
CougStarter is live and accepting gifts:.................................................. Oct. 26, 2022
CougStarter closes, last day to make a gift:...........................................Nov. 16, 2022
Campaign final results announcement:..................................................Nov. 18, 2022
*All campaign pages require final approval by WSU Foundation before going live.
Applicants will be scheduled for virtual interviews following submission.
What are the benefits of crowdfunding?
Focused 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 allows the WSU family to support students through giving, advocacy, and active engagement.
Please email wsuf.cougstarter@wsu.edu if you have specific questions about gift designation.
When can I make my gift?
The 2022 Fall CougStarter campaign goes live and the gift portal opens on October 26, 2022. The campaign runs from Oct. 26 - Nov. 16, 2022.
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! And there are additional ways you can help support CougStarter:
Sign up to be an ambassador - spread the word about the students and their projects! Ambassadors are an important part of crowdfunding. As an ambassador, you support a project by sharing it with your network of family, friends, and fellow Cougs. Social media and peer-to-peer engagement is what crowdfunding is all about! Following a campaign on their displayed social media accounts ensures that you're able to share their progress and mission with your own friends and family.
Which forms of payment are accepted?
The CougStarter platform accepts payment from VISA, MasterCard, and Discover cards.
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
Which forms of payment are accepted?
We can accept payment from VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit/debit cards.
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.
Where will my gift go?
Gifts will go directly to your chosen project.