Impact UTD is the University’s crowdfunding platform that showcases student, faculty and staff fundraising projects. The website offers a tool for alumni, friends and families to help turn big ideas into reality. Here are the inaugural causes:
Comet Closet – Business Attire for Career-Bound Students
On college campuses great ideas abound, but financial resources are often limited. A new crowdfunding platform at UT Dallas will allow entrepreneurial students, faculty and staff to use their social media networks to raise funds for charitable causes that contribute to the University’s mission.
With the launch of Impact UTD, four inaugural teams hope to turn innovative ideas into reality. Their causes are:
- Stocking the campus food pantry,
- Providing college mentors to at-risk high schoolers,
- Outfitting students with professional dress attire and
- Promoting a safe environment for students of all genders and sexual orientations.
The teams will use their social networks to connect with potential donors who share a similar passion for their causes in monthlong fundraising rallies that end May 1, with funding goals ranging from $3,500 to $11,000. Donors can contribute gifts of all sizes, and will see updates from organizers about their project’s progress.
One group is raising funds for the Comet Cupboard to help students enrolled in summer classes who run short on food and need access to personal care items.
“A common misconception is that if a student can afford tuition at UT Dallas, he or she can easily afford to eat,” said Hillary Beauchamp Campbell, program coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Education. “The Comet Cupboard service keeps our hungry students from having to choose between buying books or buying groceries. We believe that the cupboard’s participation in Impact UTD will bring more widespread awareness of this service.”
Comet Cupboard, where students Connie Cheng, Hae Song Lee and Nathan Castillo recently volunteered, is one of the groups raising funds as part of Impact UTD.
Dr. Nadine M. Connell, assistant professor of criminology in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, is spearheading an initiative that shines a light on the benefits of mentoring.
“This research project will help us make a real difference in young people’s lives by pairing up local high school students with qualified and enthusiastic UTD mentors in order to help the students navigate the sometimes rocky world of high school,” Connell said. “I am especially excited to be part of this crowdfunding initiative because I think that we will appeal to donors through the immediate positive impact on the community.”
Participants in Impact UTD go through an application process that is being managed by the University’s Office of Advancement. To be considered, projects must have a direct impact on UT Dallas academics, research or student life. Every donation counts as a gift to the University, and is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
“Motivated students, faculty and staff now have an important tool to communicate with alumni, donors and the community in a personal and meaningful way,” said Molly Papin, program coordinator for Impact UTD. “At the same time, students will gain leadership skills and hands-on experience managing a crowdfunding campaign. From a fundraising perspective, we’re excited to give our alumni a new opportunity to stay connected to the University philanthropically and support what resonates with them.”