Bronco Launchpad, Cal Poly Pomona’s two-week crowdfunding event, shattered records this year, bringing in $116,845 from 1,140 gifts. These donations supported 58 projects, another record for the event, and will fund scholarships, equipment and learn-by-doing experiences for students.
“This was our largest Bronco Launchpad yet. When we started this event a few years ago, we hoped for 10 projects, so to see nearly 60 this year was very exciting,” said Courtney Schultz, associate director for leadership annual giving. “More campaigns mean more students will benefit from philanthropic support. And, thanks to our incredible donors, students will feel that impact directly in their classrooms, clubs and activities.”
Colleges, departments and organizations across CPP participated in the event, which was held Oct. 16 to 27.
In the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, the Ahimsa Center wanted to fund an award for an outstanding undergraduate thesis that promotes non-violence, civil rights and global justice. They exceeded their $2,000 goal for the award.
The Femineer Program, which engages K-12 students with project-based STEM learning experiences, surpassed its initial goal of $2,500 and increased it twice, raising $3,250 for the Femineer Summit in April 2024.
The CPP Steel Bridge team raised over $10,000 to help fund its trip to the regional steel bridge competition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Team members hope to build on their previous successes, in which they placed second in the regional competition and seventh nationally.
With Bronco Launchpad, Fundraisers See Impact Immediately
Bronco Launchpad started in 2019 to raise money for new initiatives, student projects and immediate needs.
“Bronco Launchpad is unique in that it allows CPP donors to make an impact that they can see right away,” said Jorge Garduno, associate director of donor digital engagement. “Donations go to events and projects that are new or happening soon, so the payoff is almost instant.”
The initiative relies on crowdfunding, where ambassadors share their campaign with their network of friends, family and colleagues to raise money for their project.
The CPP Annual Fund team provides training, tips and best practices for ambassadors and consults with campaign teams, providing help setting up their page and sharing campaigns with alumni and previous donors.
“The crowdfunding efforts of our ambassadors are a prime example of what our community can accomplish,” Garduno said. “We encourage them to have fun with it.”
Many Bronco Launchpad campaigns have been extended through Giving Tuesday (Nov. 28). Donations can be made at crowdfund.cpp.edu.