Thousands Strong is OU’s official crowdfunding platform. It serves as an online tool to help students, faculty and staff display select projects and raise funds to turn their ambitious ideas into reality. Whether a project needs funding for a student organization, faculty/staff research, academic program support, or even a university-led community initiative, Thousands Strong utilizes the power of the “OU family” to directly impact the world with each online gift – no matter how large or small. 

How can I apply for funding of my project on Thousands Strong?   

Any OU student/faculty/staff member may apply. Each project must consist of an OU Project Sponsor, which is a full-time faculty or staff member who will ensure the successful completion of the campaign, if your group's project is selected. 

What makes a Thousands Strong project successful?    

A PASSIONATE TEAM: A driven team of at least 5+ project champions are needed to operate the many aspects of the campaign. Including, but not limited to: networking, marketing, and stewardship.  

A PROJECT THAT RESEMBLES THE SPIRIT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA: Each successful campaign must resonate with the university community and potential donors.

A COMPELLING, CLEAR & SPECIFIC STORY: Each successful campaign must have project team members who can creatively illustrate and share the purpose of their project with potential supporters. 

ENSURE project team members will regularly use strategies to PROMOTE & PUBLICIZE the project to their networks throughout the duration of the campaign. 

SUCCESSFUL projects typically fall into a range of $500 to $5000 for a 30 DAY CAMPAIGN.

What will be considered for a Thousand Strong Project?

Specific and compelling projects

Research

Travel Costs

Equipment

Costs associated with specific student competitions

Campaigns focused on specific student-led organizational goals or needs (e.g., Class of 2016 senior gift)

What will not be considered for a Thousands Strong Project? 

Endowments

Salaries

Building campaigns

Money for tuition

What happens next if my project is selected?

The Director of Digital Initiatives will provide comprehensive training and ongoing consultation to project leaders/participants throughout the duration of the campaign. 

Questions?

Please contact Laura VanGundy at LVanGundy@ou.edu