UConn Ignite is a student-led fundraising competition that helps student organizations raise support for the programs, activities, and experiences that matter most to them. Over the course of a three-week campaign, participating groups rally their communities, build support for their organizations, and compete for Ignite prize funding.
From academic and professional organizations to cultural groups, club sports, and Law School organizations, Ignite participants enrich campus life and create opportunities for students to connect, grow, and thrive. Gifts support priorities such as travel, competition expenses, equipment, supplies, programming, and operations.
Donors can support the student organizations they care about most and help those groups earn additional prize funding. Organizations can earn prizes by attracting donors, growing participation, retaining supporters, and performing well on Ignite leaderboards throughout the campaign.
Every gift helps UConn students pursue their passions, build community, and make the most of their UConn experience.
Sign up as an Ignite Advocate!
As an Ignite advocate, you’ll receive a personalized giving link to support a group of your choosing and a toolkit with ready-to-use graphics, sample posts, and messaging. Simply share your link with friends, family, and fellow supporters to help spread the word and inspire giving. Your personal link tracks clicks, donors, and dollars raised, so you can see the impact of your outreach throughout the campaign.
As a special thank-you, advocates who generate five unique gifts will receive a Because of UConn tumbler.
Ready to Spread the Word?
After you’ve signed up as an advocate, use the Ignite 2026 Advocate Toolkit for ready-to-use graphics, messaging, and more to help you promote Ignite and the student organizations you care about.
Peer to Peer Crowdfunding Success
Since 2020 we’ve raised over $900,000 from nearly 13,000 donors.
Prize Money Support
Gifts to Ignite make a direct impact on the lives of students currently enrolled.
Visual Impacts
When you give, you get to choose where to give and see how your gifts make an impact.
Applying for Ignite
Groups interested in joining this year’s Ignite must apply using the form below. Upon completion of the form, UConn Foundation staff will review each group’s application.
Accepted groups will receive information via email about this year’s campaign, including rules, prize structure, recommendations, and more. You will also receive an email from GiveCampus notifying you that you can begin adding content to your giving page.
The person submitting the application will serve as the group’s Ignite Point of Contact. The Point of Contact will receive communications from the Foundation from the application process through the sharing of results. This person is expected to share important information with group members and will be granted access to your giving page, including responsibility for building and managing it.
Before beginning the application, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Group faculty or staff advisor and their email address
- Fundraising goal in dollars
- A plan for marketing your cause
Applications are due on September 22.
Visit our Instagram @uconnignite to learn more about the program and participating groups!
Registration is now open for UConn Ignite! Student organizations can sign up now to take part in this year’s competition, happening Oct. 2–23. Register your group, rally your community, and get ready to raise support for the programs, travel, equipment, events, and experiences that bring your UConn community to life. Step up, sign up, and get ready to Ignite. Link in bio!
Don’t miss Ignite Flash TODAY from 1 to 5 p.m. Eastern time!
This is your final chance to earn bonus points for your favorite student group before Ignite ends. Every gift of $10 or more helps groups climb the leaderboard by earning points that unlock a larger share of prize funds, directly shaping student experiences at UConn.
Give today through the link in bio.
Ignite Day is Here!
Your gift today has an even bigger impact. On Ignite Day, every donation earns bonus points for your favorite student group, unlocking additional dollars from the Ignite prize funds.
With over 100 groups to choose from, your support advances the critical mission of our Because of UConn Campaign by putting students first. Your contribution helps fund events, travel, and other activities that directly enhance the student experience at UConn.
Make your gift today at the link in bio.
UConn Ignite is live. From October 6 through October 26, you can empower student groups to achieve their goals and bring their innovative projects to life.
See the full list of groups and make your gift today at the link in bio.
Ignite is back October 6–26! UConn’s student-led fundraising effort is combining Ignite Law, Ignite Club Sports & Ignite Students First into one three-week campaign. Ready to power up your group’s programs? Read the Ignite Participant Guide & apply by Sept. 12 at the link in bio.
New to ignite is the @uconnconsultinggroup! Check out their page to learn more about the events and other group activities they are raising money for!🔥
Next feature is @uconnclubtrack! Help these athletes as they raise money to continue competing in a variety of events. Check out their page to learn more and make your gift today!
🩰✨ calling all Ballet fans! Make your gift today in support of @uballetcompany today! ✨🩰
Questions?
For additional information about Ignite, please contact:
Jonathan Wilson
Associate Director of Crowdfunding