The Impact fundraising campaign has created a bespoke crowdfunding platform for The University of Nottingham with creators starting projects which are funded by sponsors, with rewards offered for their pledges.

Jumpstart helps members of the University to find the funding they need to explore their interests and enhance our community through creative, innovative projects; and it enables alumni and friends of the University to combine a number of gifts to support a project that particularly appeals to them.

Projects can be about anything – so long as there is clear benefit to University of Nottingham students. Projects will be judged on their goals, their creative or innovative merits, and the level of organisation and commitment demonstrated by you or your team. You will also need to demonstrate that you have a good network you can publicise your fundraising to.

Every project must achieve its minimum target by the funding deadline or no funds change hands. 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 Jumpstart is that Sponsors get to engage with projects and see where their money is going. This keeps everyone happy!

One such example is the charity initiative Liter (Litre) of Light crowdfunding page coordinated by the Nigerian Students Society, which aims to make sustainable solar lighting accessible to impoverished regions of Nigeria. Using water-filled recyclable plastic bottles which are fashioned into a solar bulb, these units can be installed in the roofs of simple dwellings typical in poor regions of Africa.

The Liter of Light Nigeria team are seeking to raise the minimum sponsorship amount of £1,000 in order to head to Makoko, a slum community in Lagos, to install 600 solar lights in the community as well as teach the locals how to produce these solar lights with materials that can be sourced in Nigeria. If they are successful, this will help to unlock further funds from the Cascade Grants Programme.

To find out more about this project, visit the Liter of Light page. You can also view other projects to support on the Jumpstart website as well as taking in hints and tips for making your campaign a success on Jumpstart’s Learn page.