What is HornRaiser?

HornRaiser is The University of Texas at Austin’s official crowdfunding platform. Students, faculty and staff can use HornRaiser as a tool to raise money for everything from research projects and class trips to uniforms, competitions and scholarships. 

How does it work? What is crowdfunding? 

You are given the technology, taught how to use it, and then you raise funds from your own network. It is important to understand that you will be soliciting your friends, peers, family, etc. Annual Giving Programs and UT will not actively solicit for your project on your behalf. That is up to you and your project leaders, ambassadors, and champions. 

How can I apply to host a project?

Any UT faculty member, staff member, or student may apply. You must have a UT departmental affiliation and/or advisor and access to a UT 30-account that can accept contributions.

You can find the HornRaiser application here. 

Applying to host a project can happen in two ways: Apply to take part in one of our four cohorts, or as a part of our rolling applications.

Four Cohorts a Year 

Twice each fall and spring a calendar is set forth with a large batch of projects. Being a part of a cohort includes benefits such as: group training, peers to work through questions with, having other projects send traffic to the main HornRaiser page. Some marketing from a central level will happen during these large cohorts.

Upcoming Deadlines and Dates:

Spring 2024 ROUND ONE Dates:

   Applications Due: November 3 at noon

   Quiet Phase: November - January

   HornRaiser Projects Launch: January 24 at 9 a.m.

   30 Day Projects End: February 23 at 9 a.m. 

Spring 2024 ROUND TWO Dates:

   Applications Due: January 26 at noon

   Quiet Phase: February - March 

   HornRaiser Projects Launch: March 27 at 9 a.m.

   30 Day Projects End: April 26 at 9 a.m. 

Fall 2024 ROUND ONE Dates:

   Applications Due: July 19 at noon

   Quiet Phase: August - September

   HornRaiser Projects Launch: September 11 at 9 a.m.

   30 Day Projects End: October 11 at 9 a.m.

Fall 2024 ROUND TWO Dates:

   Applications Due: September 13 at noon

   Quiet Phase: October - November

   HornRaiser Projects Launch: November 6 at 9 a.m.

   30 Day Projects End: December 6 at 9 a.m.

Rolling Applications

Applications are due the first Monday of the month by noon.

These applications will be reviewed during that week, and accepted project leaders will be notified. Project training will occur the second full week of the month.

Projects will be able to launch the 15th of the following month, with the finalized projects due by the 10th.

What does it take to have a successful project?

• A compelling story with a 1-2 minute video that clearly illustrates your need
• Willingness to reach out to a large network of friends for support
• A creative communication plan that reaches beyond UT alumni and friends (such as reaching out to industry bloggers or publications)
• Willingness to invest time and effort into planning for, launching, and fundraising for your campaign
• A team of 2-5 people and/or ambassadors who will help you fundraise

What will be considered for a HornRaiser project?

• Research
• Costs associated with student competitions
• Travel costs
• Equipment
• Undergraduate and graduate stipends
• Campaigns focused on participation goals as opposed to dollar goals (for example, 150 donations from the Class of 2018)

What will not be considered for a HornRaiser project?

• Faculty or staff salaries
• Building campaigns
• Money for tuition
• Note: HornRaiser is not an incubator and will not accept projects created with the purpose of raising profits

Are there fees associated with HornRaiser?

As of Fall 2019, there are NO FEES for using HornRaiser, as long as you are creating your own HornRaiser page and soliciting your own donors. If Annual Giving Programs is managing a campaign on your behalf, fees may apply.

How does the selection process work?

Once a project is submitted, Annual Giving Programs may follow up with the project leader if they have additional questions about an application. An interview will be scheduled to discuss the project and determine a realistic goal. The applicant's departmental and development staff, student group advisor, etc. may be notified when an application is submitted and/or chosen. A project selection committee is responsible for reviewing all applications and selecting projects for HornRaiser.

The Annual Giving team will provide a comprehensive training for selected projects and ongoing consultation to all participants throughout the campaign.

For questions or to schedule a one on one info session, please email: hornraiser@utexas.edu

Hook 'em!

Brittany Papke, Associate Director of Special Programs

Kayla Edelman, Assistant Director of Development 

JC Lockhart, Development Associate