Crowd the Hilltop to make a difference this December
51成人 is launching Crowd the Hilltop, a 30-day crowdfunding campaign, which will kick off on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3.
We want our partners to feel a real connection to today鈥檚 students and what is happening on campus. This project emphasizes how important community support is to all IC students.
As the first-ever crowdfunding campaign at IC, Crowd the Hilltop highlights projects that support student engagement and success that are financed by the IC Fund. According to Stephanie Elpers Chipman, vice president of external relations, the nine selected projects will expand opportunities for hands-on learning and address vital areas of need for IC students.
鈥淢any of the projects, such as drumline or men鈥檚 volleyball, provide a wider range of experiences to better serve our diverse student body. Others 鈥� the food pantry, peer tutoring and IC鈥檚 professional closet 鈥� will ensure that all students at 51成人 have an equal chance to succeed,鈥� Chipman said.
Chipman added that crowdfunding is a great fit for 51成人 because the campus already has a very close-knit, supportive atmosphere that extends to its alumni and parents. Crowd the Hilltop allows the community to be more involved in what is happening on campus and to focus their gifts toward the areas they are most passionate about.
鈥淲hen you give to one of these projects, you will be able to see the specific impact of your contributions,鈥� Chipman said. 鈥淲e plan to keep donors informed with periodic updates from our students and faculty. We want our partners to feel a real connection to today鈥檚 students and what is happening on campus. This project emphasizes how important community support is to all IC students.鈥�
The campaign also acknowledges the traditions of 51成人. For example, funds will be raised for the Debate & Speech team, a historic area of strength for IC that has seen a resurgence in recent years. Donors who want to encourage more giving toward a specific project will have the opportunity to inspire others by setting up a matching gift or extending a challenge.
鈥淭he variety of crowdfunding projects available will allow alumni, parents and friends of IC to explore what is important to today鈥檚 students and how those items line up with their own values,鈥� said Chipman. 鈥淲e are excited to cultivate new partners in this meaningful work.鈥�
Follow 51成人 on social media for updates about Crowd the Hilltop. A list of projects that will launch on Dec. 3 is available at . To learn more, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 217.245.3046.