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About MIT Crowdfunding
MIT Crowdfunding is an Institute-supported space for the MIT community to come together and raise funds for Institute-centered projects, initiatives, and campaigns that help make a brighter future at MIT.
Unlike services like Kickstarter, Indigogo, or GoFundMe, campaign teams keep all funds raised. MIT Annual Giving supports the platform in partnership with Mightycause. On this platform, you can:
- Discover limited-time projects launched by MIT students, faculty, and staff
- Support Institute work on a grassroots level
- Share projects and stay up-to-date on the impact made with community philanthropy
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Eligibility Criteria
Use of the MIT Crowdfunding platform is restricted to projects that meet the following eligibility criteria. We select projects based on whether they have the potential to reach a realistic goal, an engaged team, a clear need for funds, and an established or growing supporter base.
- Funds raised must be used for MIT-centered activities
- Projects must have an active seven-digit fund designation
- Project goals should be under $20,000*
- Project teams must identify five donors to make a gift of at $10+ toward the campaign prior to launch
- Project teams must have a plan to promote the campaign outside of Annual Giving support
- Project teams must have 5-10 people to work on the campaign
* If your project goal is over $20,000, please contact us at crowdfund@mit.edu before applying.
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Deadlines for the 2025-2026 Academic Year*
Crowdfunding applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed on the first business day of each month.
Apply: The 1st of the month
Notification of Application Status: Within two weeks**
Content Due: One week after approval
Quiet Phase: One week before launch
Campaign Launch: 🎉
Campaign Close: 12 weeks after launch***
Sample Timeline
Apply: October 1
Notification of Application Status: October 9
Content Due: October 13
Quiet Phase: October 23
Campaign Launch: October 29
Campaign Close: December 9
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** We accept a limited number of projects in November, December, February, and March due to staff availability
** We will follow up if we have questions about your application
*** You may request extended campaign time if needed
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More Crowdfunding Basics
Why choose to fundraise with crowdfunding?
Who can apply to use MIT Crowdfunding?
What makes a good crowdfunding campaign?
What is the time commitment for crowdfunding?
What kind of results should I expect?
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Resources
- Keep your team on track with the Campaign Checklist.
- Need a little guidance to get your project ready for application? Check out the Campaign Planning Toolkit.
- Need help with figuring out how to get the word out? Check out the Campaign Promotion Toolkit.
For questions about crowdfunding, please check out our FAQs or contact crowdfund@mit.edu.
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