MSU Crowdfunding Frequently Asked Questions

Missouri State Crowdfunding is an online crowdfunding platform for approved Missouri State causes and projects

Who can use?

Missouri State University students, faculty and staff can create a campaign.

Does MSU Crowdfunding screen campaigns?

Yes. The Missouri State University Foundation screens all campaigns, and gains cost center approval if necessary.

What makes a project qualify?

The MSU Foundation decides whether a campaign will appear on the site.

Can anyone create a campaign?

Students, staff and faculty associated with Missouri State University can create a campaign. All campaigns will be approved by appropriate University or Foundation personnel.

Can MSU Crowdfunding be used to fund anything?

MSU Crowdfunding campaigns will be approved by authorized personnel in departments, colleges or the MSU Foundation, and will be consistent with the mission of the University.

Can I get my money back if the campaign doesn’t’ meet its goal?

All monies contributed will be considered a gift. Any amount raised will be of assistance. If the project goal is not met, the monies will remain available for that project until such time that other fundraising efforts are exhausted. The monies will remain with the department for related purposes.

Who is responsible for project completion and follow through?

The Campaign owners are responsible for all deliverables, project completion and follow-through associated with a particular Campaign.

What should I do if there is a problem completing our campaign?

Keep the crowd informed every step of the way, make adjustments, and if you cannot fulfill your promises, inform the MSU Foundation.

What does MSU Crowdfunding do to ensure the credibility and fulfillment of a project?

MSU Crowdfunding takes a number of steps to help our campaign owners succeed. In addition to reviewing all projects, we provide campaign owners with tools and templates to help them present their projects in an informative, organized manner such that donors can make informed decisions. It is the responsibility of the donor to evaluate a given project, and make the gift decision based on the information at hand. All funds will be deposited with the Missouri State University Foundation and designated for the specific crowdfunding project. All funds will be dispersed for the specified project and all university procurement policies will apply. MSU Crowdfunding does not guarantee or verify any claims made by a campaign owner or campaign on our site.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

If your questions can't be answered here, by GiveCampus.com, or by the campaign creators then drop us a line at CrowdFunding@MissouriState.edu.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Your gift, less the value of any item received because of your gift, is tax deductible. The Missouri State University Foundation is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. By making a gift to the Foundation, you impact the lives of students, faculty and programs at Missouri State University. If you itemize income-tax deductions on your tax return, the full value of your cash gift is tax-deductible, to the extent provided by law. Your financial planner or tax adviser can help you determine the exact tax advantages of any gift you are considering.

Who do I contact if I have a question about my contribution or incentives?

Contact the campaign owner and their team directly. If you don't get the help you need there, email us at CrowdFunding@MissouriState.edu.

What if I don’t reach my full goal amount?

Any contributions received will be placed in a designated Foundation account for your use for your project. If your campaign is not completed, the monies will remain available for that project until as such time other fundraising efforts are exhausted. The monies will remain with the College, Department, or Program area to be utilized for related purposes.

What if I cannot fully execute my project on the amount I raise?

Keep your donors up to date, communicate, revise your campaign or delivery dates. Please contact the MSU Foundation at CrowdFunding@MissouriState.edu if you are having difficulty.

What if I raise more than my goal amount?

Congratulations!!! Keep in mind however this could cause logistical issues and plan accordingly. If properly planned for, this can be a great surprise to deal with.

What can be offered as an incentive?

Offer incentives based on the impact it makes to achieve your campaign’s goal. Examples include: acknowledgements, “thank you’s,” recognition, special invitations, etc. Intangible incentives are encouraged to keep overhead low, and your project administration easier. Contact us at CrowdFunding@MissouriState.edu and we can help you brainstorm for great feel-good ideas.

Can I change my campaign funding goal amount after launch?

No. That said, please put adequate thought into your project plan to ensure you've requested enough funding from the crowd.

Who delivers the incentives of a campaign?

The campaign owners are responsible for all deliverables associated with a particular campaign.

Will my company match my gift?

Maybe. Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. Visit our online matching gift database to find out if your company has a matching gift policy. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed to the Missouri State University Foundation. The impact of your gift to Missouri State may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.

Can I donate and not have my name appear in the donor list?

Yes. If you prefer to not have your name included in the campaign’s list of donors, then check the box “Please do not display my name.” It is located on the Give Now page, directly under your name.

Are there guidelines to using pictures, music and video in my project?

Yes. Please read this MSU guide for using music in your videos. You’ll find a list of resources offering music that is either free of copyright ownership or is licensed to allow for reuse under certain stipulations. Please refer to the sites listed at MissouriState.edu/Web/music.htm in finding music for your video. Also, when using a picture of someone, be sure that a release to use their likeness has been secured. For more information on MSU Policy and Guidelines visit MissouriState.edu/Policy.

As a campaign creator/owner can I get a list of my campaign’s donors?

You will receive daily or weekly reports of donor names, email addresses, and other information relating to your campaign. You can also see your donors on your campaign page. Be sure to thank your donors and fulfill your incentives. You can also contact the Foundation by email or call 417-836-4143 to request a report.

Questions?

Email CrowdFunding@MissouriState.edu