Choose to Change Lives and Improve Life

The University of Guelph has many big thinkers, daily do-gooders and creative minds working on numerous projects and initiatives all for the benefit of our students, our communities and society in general. This crowdfunding pilot project gives our front-line team the opportunity to tell you in their own words why their projects are worth your donation, and what good will come of your investment.

Click any of the projects below to visit their personal fundraising page, and get ready to be inspired!

If you have questions about this page, how to give, or the projects, please view our FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a tool used to bring together many people (the crowd) in a collective effort to make an idea into reality, usually by raising funds required to initiate the project or initiative. Crowdfunding has been happening at U of G through class projects for many years (see more here), but the web makes it much easier for people to reach much bigger audiences independently now.

How do I give?

You can click the “Donate Now” button on each project’s fundraising page, which will take you to a form to make a donation online. If online giving isn’t for you, please contact Alumni Affairs and Development (1-888-266-3108) for assistance with alternate methods (mail or phone).  

Is my donation eligible for a tax receipt?

Yes! You will get a tax receipt by email to the address you provide in the online donation form.

How were these projects chosen?

A selection of projects were identified by the Associate Deans of Research for the U of G colleges, who work closely with their Deans and Alumni Affairs and Development to set funding priorities. The projects chosen have champions willing to try a new style of fundraising, and whose projects would be of interest to the broader public.

Are there other projects available to support?

There are hundreds of other projects going on at U of G, and the need for additional funding is constant. If none of these interest you, feel free to check out some of the other priorities here, or call AA&D for assistance directing your gift (1-888-266-3108).

I have a project idea. How can I get my own page?

This initiative is part of a pilot project that AA&D is trying for the first time in 2014. With the cooperation of all the participants, we hope to have a streamlined and user-friendly way to present more projects in the future. For more information on future participation, please contact the Annual Fund team at annualfund@uoguelph.ca.

How will I find out how the money has been used?

The project champions above all have social media channels devoted to sharing information about their project, the work they’re doing and how it is contributing to a better planet. Donors are encouraged to follow the project on social media channels, and check back to the project page for updates.

What happens if my chosen project doesn’t reach its goal?

The projects will receive all of the donated funds, whether or not the goal is reached. If the funds raised are not enough to accomplish the objective of the project, the champion may choose to designate the funds into a related departmental account that shares similar objectives.

Is there an administrative cost associated with these donations?

The costs for this initiative are being covered by AA&D, so 100% of your donation will go directly to the project you’ve chosen above.

How is this different from other crowdfunding/ microfunding sites?

Hosting this initiative through U of G means that we can offer all donors an official tax receipt, plus 100% of each donation goes directly to the project for which it has been designated. Contributions to U of G are non-refundable.