What is Undergraduate Research?

We define undergrad research in this way - an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the field of research.

What Academic Fields are of Interest?

FundaGeek is for projects in all areas of scientific research – physical and life sciences, engineering, social sciences and education.

How Can Crowdfunding Help?

Crowdfunding is an excellent resource for securing much-needed funding for undergrad research projects. As a viable alternative to the hyper-competitive grant process, FundaGeek can help you realize your research goals. A crowdfunded undergrad research project can lay a firm foundation for future graduate work. Undergrads can impress professors by funding research through the power of crowds and deliver real results in the discipline. An important side benefit of crowdfunding undergrad research is that your public campaign raises far-reaching awareness of you and your research. Crowdfunding is a great PR tool, even for scientific researchers.

An undergrad research campaign delivers whatever funding your project attracts at the end of the period since FundaGeek research projects do not follow the "all or nothing" model like other crowdfunding sites.

Why Crowdfunding for Science?

Traditional funding sources like government grants through NSF and NIH as well as private grant sources are increasingly competitive and time-consuming. With all the budgetary problems in Washington, some important projects are being canceled or threatened. As the first crowdfunding platform expressly for scientific research, FundaGeek establishes a new funding paradigm for all areas of scientific research. We do not strive to replace traditional sources, but to supplement them. An efficient use of crowdfunding can fill in holes for existing grants and keep research projects moving forward. Crowdfunding also can help address other projects that might not be the highest priority but are still important like outreach.

What if I need an On-Going Source of Funding?

Although FundaGeek campaigns are distinct, each with a specific period of duration, we encourage you to repost your project as many times as you wish in order to establish a continued source of funding. Each campaign delivers whatever funding your project attracts at the end of the period since FundaGeek research projects do not follow the "all or nothing" model like our commercial projects.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Please go to our special information page for scientific researchers for more information that may cultivate new ideas on how you can use crowdfunding: http://www.fundageek.com/research.