Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding at UM connects passionate members of our community with donors who want to help bring meaningful ideas to life. It’s a simple, powerful way to raise funds for projects that directly support a University of Manitoba initiative, program or priority, like scholarships, student initiatives, research priorities, and more — while building awareness, momentum and community around your cause. 

Go to UM's crowdfunding site
three students sitting on couches and chatting

Crowdfunding

What is crowdfunding?

two girls chatting at a picnic table outside

Crowdfunding is an online platform where individuals and groups create campaign pages tied to specific goals — from new student awards and travel funds to experiential learning opportunities and equipment purchases.  

Each campaign:

  • Tracks progress in real time  
  • Makes giving simple and secure
  • Can be easily shared through email and social media

Anyone in the UM community can participate — students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university. Whether you want to launch a project or support one, crowdfunding offers a space to bring supporters together and amplify your impact.  

How does crowdfunding work?

1. Start with your idea

We’ll review it for alignment and feasibility and work with you to position it for success.

2. Tell a compelling story

Strong campaigns clearly explain:

  • What you’re raising funds for
  • Why it matters
  • How donations will make a difference

Engaging photos and clear impact statements are key.

3. Set realistic goals

Most campaigns:

  • Run for up to 90 days
  • Raise between $5,000 - $25,000
  • Receive many gifts under $100

4. Activate your campaign champions

Successful crowdfunding is peer driven. You’ll need committed champions who are willing to share the campaign widely and personally encourage support through their networks.  

Is crowdfunding right for you?

Crowdfunding works best when:

  • Your project directly supports the University of Manitoba
  • You have a clearly defined goal and funding target
  • You can commit time to promoting your campaign
  • You have an engaged network willing to share and give

If you’re unsure whether your idea is a good fit, connect with us — we’re happy to explore it with you. 

Why crowdfund with UM?

Crowdfunding makes fundraising dynamic community-centered, and goal-oriented. It allows you to:

  • Share your story and expand your network with people who care about your purpose
  • Raise funds for defined tangible goals  
  • Engage supporters in a visible, time-bound campaign
  • Build momentum and celebrate milestones together 
The crowdfunding site was an efficient way to get people to donate. The constant updates were helpful for tracking both the goals and people we spoke to about donating. This campaign was a great exercise in community building and a unique way to reconnect at different stages of our lives and work together for a broader cause.
Greg Selinger [BSW/73] co-lead of the Golden Anniversary Legacy Fund
Get started
Campaigns run year-round. Once your project page is live, supporters can give anytime, and you can continue building momentum by sharing updates and celebrating progress.
Crowdfunding homepage Explore projects Submit a project

Questions? We’re here to help.

Whether you’re exploring an idea, refining a proposal or ready to launch, we’d be happy to connect. 

Email: roslyn.dally@umanitoba.ca

Call: 204-474-9195 or 1-800-330-8066 (toll free) 

Visit: 100-137 Innovation Drive, University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus), Winnipeg MB

Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Your support helps to shape brighter futures. 

Charitable registration number: 11926-0669-RR0001