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.
The platform launches today with five active projects covering topics like females in software engineering, landmark preservation and caring for cancer patients in Africa.
“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.
“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.
The platform is built on top of technology from ScaleFunder. Dubbed a “dynamic online giving engine,” ScaleFunder is a crowdfunding tech provider focusing on nonprofit, university and technology funding.
UCLA Spark has a currently-running Thunderclap campaign, so if you’re a UCLA alum – or if you just want to help out – go spread the word.