Frequently Asked Questions

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or campaign by raising contributions from many people. It’s typically done through an online platform, which allows for easy, efficient giving and sharing to reach a wide audience.

What is Launch LSU?

Launch LSU, the crowdfunding platform for Louisiana State University, is a way for Tigers to learn about and directly support student-, faculty,- and staff-led programs and initiatives.

The user-friendly design allows our campus community to create, manage and communicate about their fundraising projects. Alumni, family, and friends can see firsthand what the projects are about, why they matter and how donations will make a difference.

A supporter can opt to receive updates from the project creator about meeting fundraising goals, achieving project milestones and the overall impact of the project. These updates will also be posted to the project’s page. Creators and supporters are encouraged to share their projects through social media and email to raise awareness and boost contributions.

Where will my gift go?

Your gift will benefit the project(s) of your choice, even if the creator exceeds or doesn’t meet the fundraising goal. Your gift will be made to the LSU Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with one purpose: providing philanthropic support to LSU.

A 5 percent Development Support Fee is split between the LSU Foundation, which retains 3 percent of the gift for academic fundraising efforts on behalf of LSU, and the beneficiary, which retains 2 percent of the gift for its college- or unit-level excellence fund.

Will my gift count if it is not made on the Launch LSU platform?

If you make a gift via a donor advised fund, stock, or apply for a matching gift, please add "For the TITLE crowdfunding campaign" in the gift notes. Although the gift will not immediately show on this platform, we will be sure to count your gift in the campaign totals!

So, is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes! Donations to the LSU Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for the tax-deductible amount of your gift.

Which kinds of gifts are accepted?

You may support a Launch LSU project with a gift as small as $5. The fastest and most convenient way to give is online with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, although checks are also accepted. Checks should note which Launch LSU project you’re supporting and be made out and mailed to: LSU Foundation, 3796 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your card is charged immediately upon making a gift.

How will my payment information be used?

After your gift has been processed, the project manager will receive your first name, last name, email address, and gift amount only.

How can I fundraise for my project through Launch LSU?

LSU students, faculty, and staff may use Launch LSU to crowdfund for university-approved programs and initiatives. Research-related projects must also follow the university’s procedures for research-related crowdfunding. If your project meets these requirements, please submit your idea through the Start a Project tab, and an LSU Foundation team member will be in touch with you within three business days.