Over two years ago, the first crowdfunding effort at Syracuse University, Fuel, inspired over 125 donors to contribute nearly $30,000 to support student programs at the School of Information Studies (iSchool). Now, the iSchool is raising the stakes with a second crowdfunding campaign, ReFuel, featuring four initiatives and $44,000 in challenge funding for participating programs. And in true Syracuse spirit, there are 44 days to get it done.
Featuring four signature student-centered programs, the ReFuel crowdfunding campaign re-ignites innovation at the iSchool. Each gift to that is made to the ReFuel program beginning on March 21 is a vote towards challenge funding offered by alumni Sam Clarvit ’10, Steve Marsh ’97, as well as members of the iSchool Board of Advisors. Every donor contribution supports the student experience at the iSchool.
The four initiatives vying for the top slot in challenge funding are: Student Immersion, Researchers of Tomorrow, Librarians in the Field, and Women in Technology.
Each donor gift via the ReFuel website to one of these initiatives counts as a “vote” for challenge funding, and the total support contributed through this effort ensures that all of these programs will benefit iSchool students in the years to come.
The program that receives the greatest number of gifts by the end of the 44 days – May 3 – will receive $8,000 in challenge funding. The second place program will earn $6,000, third place will earn $4,000, and fourth place will earn $2,000.
“I am amazed at the support that our challenge donors have pledged to these important student-centered programs,” said Kim Pietro, Assistant Dean for Advancement at the iSchool. “They’ve helped to create a terrific energy around the ReFuel campaign for our launch, and I’m excited to watch the progress over the next 44 days as we raise funds for these important student initiatives.”
For more details about the four programs, and to support the ReFuel campaign, visit the website at: refuel.ischool.syr.edu.