The words, "CSUN Funder" projected over students walking

About CSUN Funder

CSUN Funder is the official crowdfunding platform of California State University, Northridge. Designed to leverage the power of our Matador community, CSUN Funder provides the tools to raise funds for projects, events and ideas across campus that support student success and CSUN centric initiatives – both locally and globally.

CSUN Funder connects a donor's passion to grassroots philanthropic fundraising projects and causes.

If you are interested in using CSUN Funder to raise philanthropic support for a project, please check out the CSUN Funder Crowdfunding Guidelines and contact givingprograms@csun.edu.

Click here to watch a 5 minute short tutorial on how to get started with CSUN Funder or check out the CSUN Funder Handbook.

CSUN FAQ

Who is eligible to use CSUN Funder?

CSUN Funder welcomes applications from all current faculty, staff, Official CSUN Student Club or organizations, alumni chapters and students sponsored by a university program or academic unit.

What kind of projects can be submitted?

CSUN Funder supports projects directly benefitting the university and its students. Projects must support CSUN programs and initiatives. CSUN Funder cannot redirect or act as a “pass-through” entity to provide funding to other non-profit, charities or third-party organizations.

Crowdfunding works best for projects with fundraising goals between $500 and $10,000. Successful crowdfunding campaigns have a specific deadline that creates a sense of urgency, and typically last 4-6 weeks in length.

Fundraising projects to support research projects and venture capital funding may be submitted for consideration. Groups involved with research projects must agree to follow appropriate research integrity protocol as prescribed by CSUN’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Groups involved with venture capital funding must agree to apply for acceptance into the CSUN Innovation Incubator.

How do I apply to CSUN Funder?

All eligible project leaders will be invited to apply online at csunfunder.csun.edu/submit-application. The CSUN office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving will contact you within three business days to discuss your application and project eligibility. A phone interview will be conducted with the project leader to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the project idea. For more information about applying to use CSUN Funder, contact the CSUN office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at givingprograms@csun.edu or 818-677-2786.

How do I prepare to apply?

Read through this checklist to get an overview of the timeline needed throughout the life of the project.

Who decides which projects will be promoted on CSUN Funder?

This site is managed by the CSUN Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. Approval is based on project essentials such as: team commitment, project appeal, goal achievement potential and time frame requested.

How do project groups access the funds they raise?

Funds collected through CSUN Funder will be automatically deposited into an approved philanthropic gift fund set up through the CSUN Foundation to which donations can be accepted and then distributed for use to the project team by the respective campus unit fund manager. Project teams may use a CSUN Foundation gift fund associated with a sponsoring unit, such as a department, program or center, with the approval of the finance officer in that area. Official CSUN Student Clubs and Organizations may be able to utilize the Associated Students as their sponsoring unit.

What happens if a project doesn't meet or exceeds its fundraising goal?
Project teams will receive all funds donated toward their project. If the project goal is not met within the scheduled timeframe, contributions can still be made to the project through the CSUN Foundation. Teams will be expected to partially implement their proposed project mission, per availability of donated funds, and communicate with donors the final level achieved. Funds raised in excess of the project goal will be made available for use by the project team and area fund manager toward additional expenses that align with the project's objective, goals and mission.

How can I support projects in addition to donating?
In addition to making a gift, you can expand your impact by sharing a project with your friends and family. Whether through email, Facebook, or the occasional Tweet, helping to promote projects to a larger audience makes a big difference!

Are gifts tax deductible?
As a recognized charitable organization, gifts to CSUN Foundation may be tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine eligibility. A receipt will be automatically emailed to you upon submission of your gift.

All funds will be deposited with the CSUN Foundation in support of CSUN Funder projects. The California State University, Northridge Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public benefit California corporation that serves as an auxiliary organization to California State University, Northridge. Federal Tax ID 95-6196006

Can I use a third-party website like GoFundMe or Indiegogo instead of CSUN Funder?
CSUN strongly advises against the use of third-party fundraising sites like GoFundMe. Projects created on third party fundraising sites are not allowed to use the CSUN Foundation's tax ID, and therefore donations received to these sites will not be formally acknowledged on behalf of CSUN.

CSUN Funder is the signature university-sponsored crowdfunding platform, and it is specifically designed to provide a streamlined process for fundraising for university projects. For additional information, email givingprograms@csun.edu.

Can I donate to a project by phone or mail?
Absolutely! Call CSUN Donor and Member Services at (818) 677-7330 to donate by phone. Checks in support of CSUN Funder projects should be made payable to the "CSUN Foundation" and include CSUN Funder [Project Name] in the memo line.

Mail to:
CSUN Foundation
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8296

Will offline gifts be reflected on the CSUN Funder project page?
Yes, though it may take several business days for an offline donation to be processed and added to the Donor Wall.

Is my gift eligible for a corporate match?
Please contact your employer’s human resource department to determine if they will match your gift and their process for matching gifts. For more information, visit our Matching Gifts web page or contact CSUN Donor and Member Services at (818) 677-7330.

How can I get in contact with CSUN Funder?
Please call or email us with questions and comments at:
Phone: (818) 677-2786
Email: givingprograms@csun.edu