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Crowdfunding helps three University of York student ventures raise thousands

The UK’s first university crowdfunding platform YuStart (which Bdaily reported on here) has brought funding success for three projects at the University of York.

The York Astrocampus development has raised more than £7,000, The 24 choir nearly £1,200, and a student film production £105. All three projects exceeded their minimum funding targets.

YuStart allows members of the University to raise money from multiple donors, with participants receiving a reward, such as a t-shirt, project poster or an invitation to attend an event, in exchange for a small donation.

Launched in January, YuStart is a joint initiative between the University’s Development Office and the University of York Students’ Union (YUSU), which uses the expertise of education specialist Hubbub.

Susie Fothergill, Head of Development and Alumni Relations, said: “YuStart is proving a fantastic way of enabling the University to involve friends, family and alumni in funding innovative ideas and projects from clubs, societies, volunteering projects and departments through the power of social media.”

Kallum Taylor, YUSU President, added: “With so many different interests and groups all competing for limited resources within our institution, YuStart has provided an excellent and innovative avenue for them to open new opportunities in making their dreams become a reality.

“Aside from the financial benefits too, it’s yet another promising connection to friends and alumni of our University in establishing a fulfilling and valuable two way relationship.”

Projects fundraising through YuStart have access to specialist support from Hubbub and benefit from the support of YuStart Ambassador Liza Parker.

Working with the development office team, Liza, an undergraduate student in the University’s School of Politics, Economics and Philosophy (PEP), provides advice on website content and running effective social media campaigns.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .