Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or campaign by soliciting relatively small donations of money from a large number of people. The funding campaign and transactions are completed online through a dedicated website or platform. This platform includes public interface, project tracking, payment collection, and disbursement of funds. Success relies upon the project team’s ability to connect with a large group of potential contributors via marketing to a network of contacts via email, phone, personal contact, and social media.

Crowdfunding is...

• The practice of funding a project or campaign by soliciting relatively small donations of money from a large number of people.
• A campaign that supports a specific project with a deadline for support and a defined goal. 
• An easy way to fundraise, made so by donors who become messengers by sharing their support and passion with their connections.
• A two part process: asking people to donate and asking people to share. Sharing is just as important to help spread the word and create awareness!
• Amplified by social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to allow contributors to share their support and encourage others to join the effort.
• Driven by creators who share their cases for support.
• Embracing of a wide range of donors and gifts.
• A contribution channel that meets newer donors where they spend their time: social media.

UTHealth Houston Crowdfunding Policy 

The use of crowdfunding to raise funds at UTHealth Houston as described in this policy and accompanying crowdfunding guideline is subject to all UTHealth Houston rules, policies, compliance regulations and state and federal law. Please refer to HOOP Policy 203.

UTHealth Houston’s official crowdfunding partner is Scalefunder, licensed from Ruffalo Noel Levitz. The platform is managed by the Annual Giving team within the Office of Development and Public Affairs. No other vendor or platform can be used to fund UTHealth Houston based initiatives without written consent from the Senior Vice President for Development and Public Affairs.

UTHealth Houston’s name, branding and/or logo may not be used without prior written approval by the appropriate UTHealth Houston crowdfunding administrator.

Campaigns or projects that use UTHealth Houston resources, or affiliate themselves with UTHealth Houston in any capacity, must receive institutional approval from the appropriate university official as set forth in the accompanying campus crowdfunding procedures and application. There is no fee for this service. It should be noted that gifts are dispersed regardless of whether the campaign goal is reached.

UTHealth Houston’s constituent information (email, phone, address, etc.) may not be used without prior approval by the appropriate approving official as set forth in the accompanying campus crowdfunding procedures.

If you have any questions about crowdfunding procedures and policies, please contact us at giving@uth.tmc.edu.