CEAS successfully fund Uganda project through crowdfunding platform

22 Apr 2020

Successful crowdfunding bid will fund a group of students to go to Uganda, to train fellow students in sustainable engineering

The University of Manchester launched its very own crowdfunding platform back in 2016. Since then, 61 student and staff projects have been successfully funded – raising a huge £204,257 for good causes across campus. Most recently the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science (CEAS) successfully raised £2000 to send a small team of Manchester students to train Ugandan students in sustainable engineering.

The team of third year students will be helping to train Ugandan students in the best ways to make use of their country’s natural resources in a green, sustainable manner and in turn raise the living standards of their communities.

The project was funded through the University’s crowdfunding platform. This platform gives Manchester alumni and friends the chance to support causes that have been chosen by students and staff to make a positive impact on society.

The funding will allow the students to deepen and further collaboration with the University of Makerere in Uganda. The aim being to help Makerere become a hub of engineering excellence in sub-Saharan Africa.

The students will hold free, regular training workshops for participants from universities in sub-Saharan Africa and local industries. In these workshops, the participants will get hands-on practice with the latest design software, the necessary tool to create the most efficient, low-carbon, low-emissions processes possible. 

Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus pandemic this project will e delayed until 2021, but luckily will still go ahead one year later than originally intended.

If you would like to submit a project for the University’s crowdfunding platform, information about this is included below.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a way of raising money and support for a project from the general public. Students or University staff pitch an idea and if people like what they see, they can back the project with a financial pledge. Every project must meet its minimum target by the completion date or no funds change hands.

What kinds of projects are suitable?

Projects can be about anything that aims to benefit students, the University, or the wider community. If you’re not sure if your project is suitable then get in touch.

How to submit projects

Any student or member of staff can start the process of funding their bright idea by going onto the website and creating a project. The crowdfunding team will be notified automatically a new draft project is created on the site. We’ll reach out to explain how crowdfunding at the University works and support you with your fundraising. This support has ensured that our platform has an amazing 87% success rate!

Find out more

The University’s crowdfunding team are here to support crowdfunders, answer questions and give advice. You can email us or call 0161 275 2312.

For more information on how crowdfunding works you can visit the crowdfunding Academy and FAQs.