UCLA Spark launches student crowdfunding opportunities

The original version of this article contained information that was unclear and has been changed. See the bottom of the article for additional information.

UCLA launched a crowdfunding websiteTuesday to provide additional resources for researchers and student groups.

The website, called UCLA Spark, is already seeking funding for five UCLA projects, including providing more notebooks and tablets for UCLA Community School students and transporting the UCLA Sex Squad, a group of undergraduate students who deliver sex education presentations, to Los Angeles high schools.

Nancy Katano, the executive director of corporate, foundation and research relations at UCLA, said the website was created to address questions faculty members had about crowdfunding.

The projects provide rewards for donations of certain amounts. For instance, donating $50 to UCLA Sex Squad will get the donor a personalized haiku.

UCLA researchers have often taken advantage of crowdfunding sites such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter.

While researchers have taken advantage of those sites, Katano said UCLA Spark will address the needs of UCLA more efficiently.

“It’s hard to manage the stewardship (other sites) were giving,” Katano said. “Outside (sites) take a percentage of funding and there’s no way to manage the donor relationship.”

About $900 million in grants was given to UCLA in the last financial year, a lower amount than previous years due to sequestration and other factors, according to the annual report from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

Jarrett Oakley, an associate director of UCLA Spark, said the website hopes to reach projects of all sizes.

“This is an additional resource one would not traditionally have,” Oakley said. “The website provides … the ability to network with colleagues who know you and are passionate about you.”

Oakley said officially registered student groups and faculty researchers can file an application for fundraising through the website. A committee of people from a variety of areas will look at the application and provide different perspectives, Oakley said.

Complied by Jeong Park, Bruin contributor.

Clarification: Officially registered student groups and faculty researchers can file an application for fundraising through the UCLA SPARK website. 

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