How KUbacker Works

Our students and staff are doing creative and innovative things all the time! We want to showcase their activities, and help them fund their projects. Creators create projects. Sponsors help fund projects. To help this process along Creators offer rewards for donations.

Who can be a Creator?

If you are a current student or a member of staff, you can create a project.

Why do Sponsors fund projects?

Sponsors will be keen to see a project happen because they share your vision for the project. Most alumni sponsors had close attachment to clubs and societies during their time at university. They are keen to help and support their old establishments, especially when Creators offer them rewards which help them to reconnect.

How much can Creators raise for projects?

KUBacker supports all sorts of projects, from big to small. Creators can raise funds for projects of any size they wish. There really isn't a limit on too small or too big - whether that's £100 or £50,000 KUBacker can help!

What is all-or-nothing funding?

You will receive your project funding once you reach your minimum fundraising target by its deadline. We will collect donations from sponsors when they are made, and we will notify you after your fundraising deadline to arrange payment. If you have a goal or minimum fundraising amount that is not reached, you may not receive the funding and any donations made to the project will be refunded to the sponsors.

Assuming you reach your minimum target by your fundraising deadline, we share information on your donations. In order to arrange payment, please contact us after your completion date. If we don’t hear from you, we will get in touch with you.

Account Settings

Can I change my profile name?

Make sure you're logged in, go to 'account', and click on the 'edit profile' button.

I forgot my password. How can I log in?

You can reset your password by clicking the 'reset your password' link on the login page. You will be sent an mail which contains a link to gain access to your account.

How do I delete my account?

Contact us at kubacker@kingston.ac.uk

Can I change my email notification settings?

You will only receive emails about projects which you are following. To stop receiving these, go to the project page and click 'Follow' - when the pink heart is absent you won't receive email updates. If you no longer wish to receive our newsletter, click on 'Unsubscribe' at the bottom of any newsletter.

Starting your project

Can I be a Creator?

Are you a current student or member of staff at Kingston University? Yes? Then you can be a Creator and post projects on KUBacker.

What types of project can I post?

Are you running a sports club in dire need of some new equipment? Are you part of a drama society hunting for some costumes or a proper location for a film production? Or are you a biologist in need of an incubator to grow some baby terrapins? Projects could include a wide variety of activities, but must expect to have a demonstrable impact on the University (students or staff) or local (Kingston town or borough) community.

I just need general sponsorship to cover my society's costs for the year. Can I post on KUBacker?

Just seeking "sponsorship" doesn't really constitute a project. However, that doesn't mean you can't turn it into one. Think about how you could break this down for potential Sponsors. How will you spend the funds? What will they allow you to do? Over what period will the funds be used.

For advice on how to create an awesome project visit KUBacker Academy.

I'm raising money for charity. Can I post on KUBacker?

If the project will be directly benefiting Kingston University students or the local community, then the answer is yes. However, we will not be able to claim Gift Aid on the donations you receive.

Fundraising for other charities is possible. For example, if you need to raise £1000 for Charity X in order to qualify for a charity expedition to Nepal. We recommend you use MyRaising to raise this money, but MyRaising will not permit you to use the website to raise money to cover personal costs. Do you need to buy specialist trekking gear? Or funds to cover your travel/accommodation costs? If so, KUBacker can help you raise the funds to carry out your project or event, and perhaps, make it even better! We can help you with all of your personal and/or group expenses.

Are a minimum needed, funding target and completion date required?

Yes! A minimum target, funding target and completion date are chosen by you. If you have achieved your minimum needed by your completion date, the funds raised from your Sponsors will be transferred to you. You are then responsible for carrying out your project and delivering rewards.

If you do not reach your minimum, we may refund any donations made to the sponsors. You can set your minimum needed at £0 if you believe you can carry out your project irrespective of the amount your raise.

For advice on selecting your funding target and completion date, please visit KUBacker Academy. Please remember that after your project completes, it will take time to transfer payments to you – how long will depend on where the funds are being transferred to. For further information, please contact email address.

All-or-nothing funding?

Every project must achieve its minimum needed by its completion date. We will return sponsors donations to them if you haven’t reached the minimum, as it is what you have set to be able complete the project. Why? Because if a Creator promises to complete a project that needs at least £2,000 it would be tough for them to do it if they only raise half their minimum. Part of the appeal of KUBacker is that Sponsors get to engage with projects and see where their money is going. This keeps everyone happy!

Rewards

Are rewards required?

Yes! We've found that offering a reward for a donation helps Sponsors to engage with your project and encourages donations. The better your rewards, the more likely you are to reach your funding target. But remember, you only need to deliver your rewards if your project reaches its minimum needed and after you have received your funding. This means that the funds you receive will cover the cost of rewards.

For advice on choosing rewards, check out KUBacker's Rewards Guide.

Who creates the rewards?

You, the Creator, create the rewards. The better they are the more likely you are to get donations. However, the cost and number of the rewards is also controlled by you, so do consider this when choosing them.

What can be offered?

We leave this largely to you. Rewards are typically items connected to the project itself – a copy of the CD recorded, a limited edition of the magazine, a signed print of the show. Many Creators will also wish to offer experiences – tickets to a show, a concert or a society dinner are popular. Then there are various forms of accreditation reward ranging from a mention on your website or in your magazine to naming something after a Sponsor. Anything that seeks to build a relationship with Sponsors is a great approach.

For more ideas on choosing rewards, check out our

For advice on choosing rewards, check out KUBacker's Rewards Guide.

What cannot be offered?

No alcohol, drugs or pornography please! Investment, loan solicitations and coupons or discounts on future goods are also forbidden. We don't want you to get locked up! Offering raffle tickets, lotteries and sweepstakes is illegal in some countries. In the UK you must notify your local authority if you are ever planning to sell tickets for this type of event publicly.

Can I limit the quantity of a reward?

Yes. When you add a reward to your proposal, you will be asked to specify whether it is in limited supply and, if so, how many you are able to provide.

How can I get Sponsors' information to give them their rewards?

We will collect all of the information you need for you and make it available to you after your completion date if your project is successful.

Why doesn't the number of Sponsors match the number of rewards?

Sponsors have the option of selecting a reward beneath their donation level or to select no reward at all.

After Submission

What happens after I submit my project?

On creating a project, you will receive personalised feedback from the KUBacker team on how to maximise your project’s potential.

We will confirm if matched funding is available for your project and your responsibilities as a project creator. We will also outline the process for receiving funding if your project is successful. For general advice on how to promote you project, you can visit the Promotion section of KUBackerAcademy. They also have some great advice and checklists in their Promotions Guide.

Can I edit my project after submitting?

No; we feel this allows too much room for Creators to change the deal after Sponsors have made donations. However, you can add updates to your project once published so that Sponsors can keep track of the latest developments.

Can I change my minimum, funding goal or completion date after submitting?

No. It is not permitted to edit your project after submission.

Can I edit my project after funding is completed?

No, otherwise Creators would be able to raise money donated for one purpose and then spend it on something different. This isn't fair on your Sponsors.

How many projects can I post at the same time?

Creators may post as many projects as they like, however they may not all be approved for fundraising on the site, in order to moderate the number of live projects. This prevents exhausting the networks of potential Sponsors. Sponsors are unlikely to donate several times to the same person or society in a short space of time.

Can I split funding for one project into several projects?

Yes. The advantage of doing this is that people might be more interested in one aspect of your plans than another and, in doing so, you're giving them the freedom to choose where to put their money. However, you must also remember that if you earn funding for one aspect of the project, but not the others, you are still obliged to complete the successfully funded project.

Can I share my project with friends before I submit?

Yes. In the sense that you will be able to discuss what you're doing with people online and via word of mouth. However, you will not be able to send people a link to your project in draft mode (though screenshots are possible). In order for other people to view your projects prior to it going live, you will need to log in to your account and demo the project in preview mode.

Can I cancel my project?

You can cancel a project by informing us using our contact form. We will notify your Sponsors.

Can I retry if unsuccessful?

Yes. If you didn't reach your minimum you can re-submit your project as many times as you like. However, we recommend that you make some alterations. Why weren't you successful last time? Would a different funding target or completion date help?

You can view advice on setting these in KUBacker Academy.

What happens if funding is completed before the completion date?

While donations are collected before the end date, we allow Sponsors to continue donating even after your target has been reached so you could even generate more. We have found that projects offering great rewards have managed to achieve many times their funding target.

Can I raise more than my minimum needed?

Yes. Your minimum needed is the minimum you need with which to carry out your project.

How many Creators can I have on my project?

There can only be one Creator account per project, but you should definitely get help from your friends and other society, club, group or department members to help create and promote it.

Can I pledge to my own project?

Sadly no. Credit card rules do not allow Creators to make a payment to themselves. This prevents individuals from attempting to obtain a cash advance. Please don't try it - not even from another account.

Where can I find Sponsors?

Finding Sponsors is vital if you are to achieve your funding target. For advice on how to promote you project, please visit the Promotion section of KUBacker Academy.

Funding & Fees

Does it cost anything to post a project on KUBacker?

No. Not a penny.

Are there any other fees?

We cover the costs of the platform. If your project achieves its minimum target by its completion date, then you get the value of your pledges, less any payment processing fees (2.4% + 20p) incurred.

How will I receive my funding?

When you submit your project, we will contact you to make arrangements for transferring your pledges.

Under most circumstances, this will be to a budget within the University. You will need to make arrangements with the budget holder to receive the funding.

If it is to be paid directly to you, it is important to keep all project receipts relating to your spending in order to release the funding in stages or at the end of the project. This will be outlined to you on submitting the project.

For some large amounts we can also pay directly to a supplier, such as a venue or travel fares if appropriate.

When will I receive my funding?

When you submit your project, we will contact you to make arrangements for transferring your pledges after the deadline has passed.

This will be to a budget within the University, or directly to you. You will need to make arrangements with the budget holder to receive the funding.

If it is to be paid directly to you, it is important to keep all project receipts relating to your spending in order to release the funding in stages or at the end of the project. This will be outlined to you on submitting the project.

For some large amounts we can also pay directly to a supplier, such as a venue or travel fares if appropriate.

What is gift aid and how does it work?

Gift Aid enables charities, such as Kingston University, to reclaim the tax paid by Sponsors on their donations. This will boost the value of the funding you receive by up to 25%, depending on how many Sponsors are able to use Gift Aid.

What is match funding and how does it work?

Match funding means that for every pound you raise, a further pound will be contributed by the match Sponsor. Projects submitted on KUBacker may be eligible for match funding from donations made by alumni to the Opportunities Fund. Eligibility for match funding will be confirmed when you submit your project.

Project Media

Do I have to make a video?

No, but a video is highly recommended as it greatly improves your chances of achieving your funding target.

Can I add a video later?

No. You can't edit a project after submitting it.

Any advice on what makes a great video?

Hop on over to the Video section of KuBacker Academy for advice on how to put a great video together.

What types of video can I use?

KUBacker accepts Vimeo and YouTube videos.

How large can my video's file size be?

KUBacker accepts Vimeo and YouTube videos. Vimeo's basic account has a limit of 500mb per file and 5GB for premium accounts. Youtube has a limit of 2GB.

How many images can I have?

One video, but as many images as you like! You just need to enter the web address of the image in your project description.

Can I use music on my video?

Yes, but only if you have permission to do so from its owner. Alternatively you can use any music from http://freemusicarchive.org/

Can I embed media?

You can add images to the description section of your project, but not videos.

Updates

What are Updates?

An Update is a bit like a status update on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter. It lets Sponsors know about developments in your project and how you're getting on. They breathe life into your project and are essential to the sponsorship process. For advice on how to use them visit the Updates section of KUBacker Academy.

What media can I use in Updates?

You can add images, but not videos.

Will Sponsors know if I've posted an Update?

Yes. We will notify them automatically. For advice on how to use them visit the Updates section of KUBacker Academy.

If my project is successful, how do I receive the funds?

We will be in touch with the details of payments your sponsors have made and how you receive these funds. Please allow at least five days after your project is completed.

Responsibilities

What is my responsibility for answering questions from Sponsors?

Sponsors will ask you questions about your project. They may want more information on your rewards or to ask for more details about how you will carry out your project, or even for more information on you. Sponsors should be answered promptly. In cases where many Sponsors ask the same question, you should answer with an Update to your project so that anyone viewing it can see this information.

What if I can't complete my project as listed?

If this is the case you must cancel funding immediately. However, please be aware that this could damage your reputation and that of your club, society or faculty.

You can cancel a project by informing us using our contact form. We will notify your Sponsors.

What if I can't deliver a reward?

Get in touch with the Sponsor(s) immediately. Creators who are honest and open will find Sponsors to be far more forgiving. You may be asked to provide a different reward. In very rare instances, a Sponsor may request a refund. When you submit your project you will be asked to agree to a refund policy, which we will also display to the Sponsor when they make a pledge.

Are there any other responsibilities?

To enable KUBacker to grow to its potential, we need the help of project Creators to promote the site, through actions like attending promotional events and sharing updates on your KUBacker project on social media. We will discuss how you can help when you submit your project.

Pledges

Can I be a Sponsor?

Yes. Anybody can be a Sponsor. You will need either a debit or credit card. You will be asked for your details when you pledge to a project.

How do I make a pledge?

Simply find a project you like and hit the 'Sponsor This Project' button at the right-hand side of the page and follow the on-screen instructions.

When will I be charged?

Your card will be charged after the project fundraising deadline but only if the project you pledge to achieve its minimum needed by this date. If the project is unsuccessful no money changes hands, so your card/account is not charged.

What happens if a project does not achieve its minimum needed?

If you do not receive any donations, nothing will happen. If you receive some, but not the minimum required, we may refund the payments to the sponsors as you have stated your project needs the minimum to make it happen.

Can I pledge anonymously?

Yes. When you make a pledge you will be given the option of displaying:

  • your name and the value of you pledge;
  • just your name; or
  • remaining completely anonymous.

Please note that you will not be anonymous to the Creator - only to the public.

Is the value of my pledge made public?

Not automatically. We leave it entirely up to you to decide whether your name and contribution should be displayed as described above.

What info about me do you give to the Creator?

Creators see your username, Full Name, the size of your donation, and the reward you've selected. If their project is successful, we'll also give the Creator your email address and delivery address so that they can contact you regarding your rewards.

Will you notify me if a project I'm sponsoring is successful?

Yes. You will receive an email regardless of whether the project is successful or not.

Can I change my pledge?

You will not be allowed to amend an existing donation but you can add another one.

How do I change my credit card details before funding ends?

Please get in touch with us at email address.

Can I cancel my pledge?

When you make a pledge you make a commitment to that Creator. We, and the Creator, would really appreciate it if you don't cancel your pledge, but if you do want to cancel, you should email us at email address.

What happens if my credit card is declined?

Don’t worry, if this happens you will be sent a re-pledge link so you can make sure you have the necessary funds available and re-donate.

Rewards

Can I change my reward selection?

Sorry, no. Creators need to be able to manage the quantity of their rewards so changes could cause problems for them. You can make another pledge if there is a reward you particularly want.

Can I get a reward if I live in a different country?

Yes. But Sponsors are encouraged to select a higher donation level to counter the postage and packaging cost incurred to the Creators in the process of sending out rewards.

When will my reward be delivered?

If a project is successful, your reward will be delivered at the approximate delivery date stated on the Creator's project page. If you would like more information, you can contact the Creator directly through their profile or project page.

What do I do if the rewards haven't yet been delivered?

The delivery of rewards is a tough part of the process for Creators, especially where there are large numbers of rewards to send out or they have problems with the organisations producing their rewards. Hopefully, they will communicate any problems to you and we ask for your understanding here. However, if you wish to inquire further, you can contact the Creator directly through their profile or project page.

Responsibilities

Can I trust Creators?

In terms of a Creator's ability to deliver, it's up to them to make the case that they can successfully bring their project to life. A creator will find it very difficult to raise funds for a project without enlisting the support of individuals in their network, as well as related organisations, and their institution.

In many cases, you will know the project creator, or you heard about the project directly from the University. The advantage of our focus on current Kingston students and staff is that it's very difficult for anybody seeking to mislead Sponsors to avoid detection and institutional redress.

Creators are encouraged to share links to their personal websites, Facebook groups and Twitter feeds as well as any pages that show work related to the project, or past projects. Still not sure? Ask the Creator a question via their profile or project page. At the end of the day, we leave it to your judgement. If you spot anything you think looks suspicious, there is a button on every project page where you can report suspicious projects.

How can I get more info about a project?

Most people will be happy with the information provided in the proposal and video. Short of visiting the Creator's website, you can ask them directly. You can contact the Creator directly through their profile or project page. If you have already sponsored a project and you would like to make your question public, you can post a comment on the project. The Creator will be notified by email when you do.

Will projects be completed as described?

In terms of a Creator's ability to deliver, it's up to them to make the case that they can successfully bring their project to life. Part of the Creator's job is earning the trust of Sponsors, especially those who don't personally know them.

What do I do if the rewards haven't yet been delivered?

The delivery of rewards is a tough part of the process for Creators, especially where there are large numbers of rewards to send out or they have problems with the organisations producing their rewards. Hopefully, they will communicate any problems to you and we ask for your understanding here. However, if you wish to inquire further, you can contact the Creator directly through their profile or project page. In very rare instances, you may wish to request a refund from a Creator. You can view the Creator's refund policy on the payment page, before making a pledge.