Tod Tamberg, UCLA
UCLA has launched UCLA Spark, an online crowdfunding platform aimed at providing critical fundraising support for innovative projects by UCLA faculty and official student organizations.
One of the first crowdfunding platforms conceptualized and implemented by a large university, UCLA Spark utilizes social media to connect donors with faculty and students campus-wide, introducing them to the broad scope of research and programmatic activities on campus.
"We recognized the need to address some of the more unique funding opportunities that provide vital resources to a myriad of projects and promote them in a fresh, new way," said Nancy Katano, executive director of corporate, foundation and research relations at UCLA.
While UCLA remains one of the nation's largest recipients of government and private grants, UCLA Spark encourages early access to cutting-edge research and other activities that promote UCLA's goal of advancing education, research and service.
Five projects representing the diversity of activity on campus will launch on the platform today, Feb. 18.
"UCLA faculty and official student organizations now have at their disposal an important tool to inspire and connect with our alumni, donors and the public at large in a meaningful way — contributing directly to their projects and fueling their success," said Jarrett Oakley, assistant director of UCLA Spark.
UCLA Spark is also present on social media, including Thunderclap, Facebook and Twitter.
