Blazer Funded Application

Successful projects required a minimum of 90 days commitment for the planning and development, solicitaion and the stewardship of the project funding. 

1 - Quiet Phase:  

• The quiet phase takes place at least four (4) to six (6) weeks prior to the project’s launch date.
• This phase is used to prepare for the campaign - project leaders are identified who will be charged with managing the team and everything involved with setting up the campaign, including assigning various tasks to team members.
• Each project team will have support from the Office of Sponsored Programs & Research Administration to help plan and develop their campaign.

2 – Live Phase (Campaign Launch)

• The live phase of a campaign lasts approximately 30 days.
• During the campaign, team members are expected to send out at least four (4) email solicitations or “asks” to their personal contact lists, make four (4) updates to their project page, push out asks via social media, and otherwise make themselves available to answer questions about and raise awareness around their project.

3 – Stewardship Phase:

• After the project has ended, groups are responsible for sending out thank you emails, final update videos, and any promised perks to donors. If your project involves a trip, the group should provide additional follow-up to donors after the trip is complete.
• During this phase, it’s important to show donors how their support has made an impact on the project. Donors who feel appreciated and know their gift made a difference will be more likely to support future projects.

Using the timeline outlined above, start with the due date and work backward. Also, keep in mind that on rare occasions a campaign may be delayed for any number of reasons. Applicants are expected to dedicate ten (10) to twelve (12) weeks to each project.

Our staff works closely with each project team to provide strategic crowdfunding management and consulting in communications, your online presence, and fundraising opportunities.  Once your application has been reviewed, a meeting will be requested with the Project Director, the approved fund manager, and any members of your team that will be participating in the leadership of the project. 

Prior to that meeting, applicants are required to read thoroughly the guidelines (found here) and acknowledge a thorough understanding of the requirements and expectations for participating in the BlazerFunded program.