Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started With Crowdfunding

How can I get my project listed on this page?

Please fill out the Application for Crowdfunding Campaign form. Foundation staff review all submissions. Expect a follow-up from Foundation staff within 5 business days of submission. Please contact foundation@harpercollege.edu if you have questions or if your response has not been received within 5 business days of submission.

Who is eligible to create a crowdfunding project?

Harper College student organizations and groups are the primary audience for our crowdfunding campaign tool. However, the Foundation team will work with individual donors, groups, or initiatives on a case-by-base basis to determine if crowdfunding is a good fit. To submit your request, please complete the online Application for Crowdfunding Campaign.

What types of projects are eligible for a crowdfunding campaign?

Crowdfunding campaigns are best suited to short-term, focused projects. The best campaigns have a clear deadline and a financial goal between $1,000 and $20,000. Typically, you will want at least 5 campaign leaders who are actively spreading the word about the project to their personal networks. Larger numbers of campaign leaders/ambassadors are associated with greater fundraising success. Examples of successful past campaigns are: student travel to a professional conference or training, fundraising for a club community service project, raising funds to meet increasing needs in the Hawks Care Food Pantry. Projects that are unlikely to be successful are vague, lack a clear deadline or beneficiary, or do not align with the college’s strategic plan.

What happens after I fill out the form?

Foundation staff will collaborate with college leadership (typically the Associate Provost and the Chief Advancement Officer) to determine if the proposed campaign is a good fit. If the campaign is approved, Foundation staff and the person who submitted the application will collaborate on a time to train campaign leaders on the crowdfunding process. This collaboration will be ongoing throughout the campaign so that you have the support you need to be successful.

If your campaign is not approved, Foundation staff will communicate why. You may be asked to resubmit your application with additional information or revisions to your plan, or you may be directed to the Associate Provost to discuss how the plan might be adjusted to align with the college’s strategic plan and priorities.

Is there a minimum amount that has to be raised?

Yes, the Foundation team asks that each campaign has a minimum goal of $1,000. Campaigns with lower fundraising goals are usually better suited to other fundraising strategies.

What happens if my campaign doesn’t reach its financial goal?

During the application process you will be asked to provide contingency plans. If the full goal amount is not raised, you may need to scale back your project to fit the budget.

The Foundation asks that campaigns raise a minimum of $1,000 in order to disburse the funds. If less than $1,000 is raised, the funds go into a pooled fund All fundraising groups whose campaigns raised too little to implement their project will be eligible to apply for funding from this pool. Only groups participating in a crowdfunding campaign raising less than $1,000 will be eligible to apply for funds from this shared pool.

General Donation Questions

Is all the money going directly to the project?

Yes. All funds contributed to the campaign go directly to the project.

Are there any additional fees or overhead taken out of my donation?

The Harper College Educational Foundation is committed to giving these projects the full amount that was raised. there are credit card and merchant service fees associated with the transaction. However, the Foundation regards these payments as part of its mission to serve the Harper community. The Foundation covers the cost of these fees to that the full amount raised goes to the project.

Can I choose to pay the platform fee?

Yes. Donors may choose to cover the platform fee as part of their transaction. Your assistance with platform fees allows the Foundation to direct funds that would have covered these costs to other initiatives benefitting the Harper community. Your support with these fees is greatly appreciated.

Are my donations tax deductible?

Yes. The Harper College Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Immediately following your donation, you will see an electronic acknowledgement. This will serve as confirmation that your payment has been processed successfully. Your official tax receipt will arrive from the Harper College Educational Foundation within 5-7 days of your donation. If your receipt does not reach your or if you need it reissued, please email foundation@harpercollege.edu or call 847.925.6490 for assistance.

Can I make a donation to the Foundation to support other projects and initiatives?

Of course. Please visit our webpage to make a donation to support over 250 scholarship and program funds.