How OxReach Works
What is our OxReach platform?
The University of Oxford engages some of the brightest and most innovative people in the world. Rewards based crowdfunding is a collective effort involving a group of people (the crowd, or sponsors) and a project owner (a current member of the University of Oxford) to fund a specific venture. OxReach is designed as an enabling tool for this community; it will help students, academics and staff to translate the ideas that they are passionate about into reality. In return for the crowd’s donations, rewards or perks are offered to the contributors. Funds only change hands when a project reaches its minimum target by the completion date.
Who is eligible to create projects?
Current students, academics and staff who are a member of the University of Oxford are potentially eligible to use the platform.
How much can project owners raise?
Project owners can raise funds of any size they wish, whether that’s £100 or £100,000!
What is all-or-nothing funding?
Every project must achieve its minimum fundraising target by its funding deadline or no funds will change hands. This is because if an owner promises to complete a project that requires £2000, it would be tough for them to complete it if they only raise half their minimum. Part of the appeal of OxReach is that sponsors get to engage with projects and see where their money is going. This keeps everyone happy!
Why do alumni sponsor projects?
Most alumni had close attachment to clubs and societies during their time at University, college or school. They are keen to help and support their old establishments, especially when project owners offer them rewards which help them to reconnect.
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a tax relief available to UK registered charities, like us! To qualify, pledges must come from a UK taxpayer. The amount of Gift Aid that can be reclaimed on a pledge depends on the value of the reward being provided.
How can I contact platform administrators?
Any project owner should feel free to get in contact through the contact form if there is ever a problem.
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?
It happens to us all! You can reset your password by clicking the 'reset your password' link on the login page. You will be sent an email which contains a link to gain access to your account.
How do I delete my account?
Contact us using our contact form! We'll miss you!
Can I change my email notification settings?
Make sure you’re logged in, go to ‘My Account’, and then click on the ‘Settings’ button. You can change your notification settings in the ‘Notifications’ tab.
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
What types of project can I post?
Please login and view the project guidelines for details of the types of project you can post.
How do I create a project?
Simply login and enter a few key details: a description of what you want to do, a funding target and completion date, and some rewards for pledges. Images and videos can also bring your project to life! We offer advice, tips, and feedback all along the way.
Are a minimum needed, funding target and completion date required?
Yes! A minimum needed, funding target and completion date are chosen by you. If you have achieved your minimum needed by your completion date PayPal will transfer the funds directly from your Sponsors to you. You are then responsible for carrying out your project and delivering rewards. If you do not reach your minimum needed no money changes hands. 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 OxReach Academy.
All-or-nothing funding?
After your completion date, if your project achieved its minimum needed we will process your pledges. We aim to deliver your funds to you within 15 working days of us receiving them. Typically funds will be internally transferred to your department from Gift Registry at the end of the month they are received in. In order for Gift Registry to process these funds you will need to have set up a DARS fund designation code. You can get a DARS designation code request form by emailing gift.registry@devoff.ox.ac.uk.
In order to arrange payment, please contact us using our contact form after your completion date.
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 Hubbub'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. 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 advice on choosing rewards, check out Hubbub'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?
NOTE: OxReach is a 12 month pilot and we can only run a limited number of projects over this period. We will review your project after you submit it, and we aim to respond within 6 working days, but please be patient with us! If your project is approved we'll publish it on the website. Now is the time to start promoting your project. Finding Sponsors is vital if you are to achieve your funding target.
For advice on how to promote you project, you can visit the Promotion section of OxReach Academy, and we have some great advice and checklists in the Promotions Guide.
Can I edit my project after submitting?
Sorry! Apart from us needing to keep reviewing amended proposals, 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?
We recommend you post only one project at a time. This prevents you exhausting your 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. The disadvantages are outlined above. 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).
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 needed 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 OxReach Academy.
What happens if funding is completed before the completion date?
Nothing! There isn't an option to end a project early. Donations are only collected at the completion 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. Ask them to click the “Become a helper” button on your project page - they will receive weekly projects stats if they do!
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 OxReach Academy.
Fees
What are the platform 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 incurred.
Does PayPal charge any fees?
Yes and these have to be deducted from your pledges. Typically these fees are around 3.5%.
Does it cost anything to post on Hubbub?
No. Not a penny.
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 OxReach Academy for advice on how to put a great video together.
What types of video can I use?
We accept Vimeo.
How large can my video's file size be?
Vimeo's basic account has a limit of 500mb per file and 5GB for premium accounts.
How many images can I have?
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 the Free Music Archive
Can I embed media?
You can add images and videos to your project description using the image and video tools.
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.
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.
Payment
If my project is successfully funded when will I receive my funds?
Please allow at least 15 days from the end of your project for payment to be made.
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 university, college or school, so please do not do it lightly.
You can cancel a project by informing us using our contact form. We will notify your Sponsors, but you should do so too, and remember to thank them for their support!
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. If you have any issues regarding refunds, please contact us using our contact form.
Pledges
Can I be a Sponsor?
Yes. Anybody can be a Sponsor. All you need is a PayPal account. You will be asked to register for this (it only takes a few minutes) when you pledge to a project. Paypal is a global payment service that facilitates our use of pledges and all-or-nothing funding.
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 PayPal account 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?
Nothing! No money changes hands. This is all-or-nothing funding.
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, 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 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 visit PayPal and log in to change your credit card details.
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. If you really really must, you can do so through the PayPal website.
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 from a trusted source. Obviously, in these cases, you will have fewer problems of trust.
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.