Swarmfunding is Sacramento State’s crowdfunding platform that empowers Hornets to rally support for the causes they care about most. It’s a way to:
- Engage your network of friends, colleagues, and fellow Hornets.
- Raise funds for a specific program or project connected to the University Foundation at Sacramento State.
- Share the impact of your work to inspire others to give back.
When our community comes together, we bring vital resources to the areas that matter most to Sac State.
Who Can Participate?
Faculty, staff, student, and alumni whose project or program has a University Foundation at Sacramento State account can apply to run a Swarmfunding campaign. Student(s) and alumni must have a faculty or staff project sponsor and advisor.
How It Works
- Apply — Submit your application before the deadline.
- Review — The Annual Giving team reviews and approves eligible projects.
- Build — We create your Swarmfunding page so you can focus on outreach.
- Promote — Share your story widely to inspire giving.
- Fund Your Idea — Gifts are processed into your University Foundation account.
Campaign Timeline
Fall Campaigns: Apply by September 30 → Projects launch November 1 and close December 31
Spring Campaigns: Apply by March 31 → Projects launch May 1 and close June 30
Your Role as a Campaign Leader
Your energy and outreach drive your campaign’s success. Once approved, you’ll:
- Engage your network through email, social media, events, or personal outreach.
- Share your story often and with enthusiasm.
The more you share your story and rally your network, the more support you’ll inspire. Your outreach is directly linked to your campaign’s success — so get loud, get creative, and get your swarm buzzing!
Application Checklist
Before applying, you'll need:
✔ A University Foundation at Sacramento State (UFSS) account. The UFSS is the University's primary philanthropic auxiliary and is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
✔ A clear project purpose aligned with your UFSS account.
✔ A main point of contact (name, email, phone).
✔ A value proposition explaining why this project matters and what need it will meet.
✔ A fundraising goal (total dollars or total number of gifts).
✔ A plan if your project is partial funded.
✔ At least two communication channels to promote your campaign (e.g., email, social media, direct mail).
✔ At least one horizontal photo (606px wide × 343px high).
You can upload up to 5 images and 4 YouTube/Vimeo videos.
Free and Helpful Tools
- Swarmfunding Application Preview – Preview your application to check details, confirm requirements, and polish your project proposal before submitting.
- Adobe Express image resizer – Quickly size your campaign images for best display.
- Lifehacker's How to Run a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign – Tips for setting goals, telling your story, and engaging supporters.
- See a Swarmfunding page example – Explore what a successful campaign looks like.
- Adobe Express free QR Code generator – Quickly create scannable QR codes to link directly to your Swarmfunding page, making it easy for supporters to access and share your campaign.
Swarmfunding Application FAQ's
What kinds of projects are a good fit?
Successful projects are specific, time-bound, and compelling — examples include student conferences and competitions, equipment or uniforms, student support awards, Hornet Pride campaigns, and urgent or deadline-driven needs.
How much time will the application take?
Expect at least 30 minutes to complete, plus time to prepare your media and finalize content. You can save your work and return later.
How do I find information about a University Foundation account for my area?
Start by reaching out to the person in your department who manages your accounts payable and receivable — they can often confirm your University Foundation account information. If they’re unsure, email annualfund@csus.edu and our team will help you locate the information you need or connect you to the correct person.
Can I run a Swarmfunding campaign outside the traditional timeline?
No. Our campaigns run on set schedules: November 1 to December 31 in the fall, and May 1 to June 30 in the spring. These dates are intentionally chosen to align with Sac State’s peak seasons of campus-wide momentum, donor enthusiasm, and national giving trends.
Can the Annual Giving team edit my photos or text?
All media and copy must be final when submitted. The Annual Giving team can provide guidance, but your team is responsible for editing and resizing.
What happens after the campaign ends?
Funds will be deposited to your UFSS account typically within two weeks. After your idea is funded, you’ll share stories of impact and examples of how funds were used with the Annual Giving team. This is required for eligibility in future Swarmfunding opportunities.
Sacramento State FAQ
Does Sacramento State provide equal access and opportunity to all donors and program participants?
All Sacramento State programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Please view the University’s full equal opportunity statement by clicking here.
Can I donate for my company using a company credit card?
Yes! However, in order to ensure that we maintain appropriate tax data, you must indicate that you are using a company credit card and provide the name of the company that should receive tax information. You can do this in the question that follows the "Billing Address" section. Please note that the tax receipt emailed following this transaction should be forwarded to your company's appropriate personnel and cannot be used for personal tax benefit.
Can I make a donation using my personal card for my company who will reimburse me later, and have the company claim the donation and tax-deduction?
No. Unfortunately, we can only provide legal credit to the individual or entity that makes payment at the time of this transaction.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Gifts are made through the University Foundation at Sacramento State, a 501(c)(3) organization. Your generous contributions to Sacramento State are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult with your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine if your gift is tax-deductible.
The federal Tax-ID number for the University Foundation at Sacramento State is 94-3001359.
Can I give to more than one fund?
Yes! Click on the "Add a Gift to this Donation" button, which is located underneath the "Fund Designation".
Will I receive a tax receipt letter for my gift?
Yes. After your gift is processed, you will receive an emailed tax receipt for your records. If you do not see your receipt, please check your spam or junk folders.
Is there a minimum donation amount?
Yes, the minimum donation amount is $10.
When will my card be charged?
Your credit or debit card will be charged immediately upon finalizing your online gift transaction.
Are there other ways I can give?
Sacramento State accepts check/cash contributions. If you prefer to give this way, please notify our office so that we can update our Giving page and give you recognition on the Donor Wall if you would like. Click here for more details.
Employees can set-up a payroll deduction by filling out this form.
For other ways to give, please click here.
Who should I contact if I have a question related to my gift?
For general questions related to Swarmfunding, please email annualfund@csus.edu. Thank you!
