Support student crowdfunding campaigns this fall
Crowdfund UNC Charlotte is an online platform that allows students to create detailed fundraising campaigns and engage the broader campus community to help fuel their passions outside the classroom. This fall, more than a dozen clubs are seeking contributions to enable them to travel to national competitions, build incredible feats of engineering and more.
Read on to learn more about these organizations, the people within them and how to contribute to their campaigns.
49er Rocketry Team
The Charlotte 49er Rocketry Team is looking to return to the NASA Student Launch Competition after a top three finish in three categories last June. The team is seeking crowdfunding to support planning sessions in the lab, building rockets and traveling to test launch sites.
“The 49er Rocketry Team has made my time at UNC Charlotte incredible,” said Gracie Judy. “Not only do I get the chance to apply what I am learning in my classes, I get to collaborate with other engineers. The friendships I have made from being a part of this project over the years have been wonderful.”
49er Running Club
The 49er Running Club is seeking contributions to cover travel and associated costs for regionals and nationals competitions. By donating, you’re not just helping the team reach these prestigious, out-of-state competitions — you’re investing in its growth, camaraderie and the chance to achieve its dreams.
“Competing for the team has been a highlight of my college experience and has enabled me to grow not only as an athlete but as an individual,” said Madison Lanai. “The 49er Running Club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope my last year on the team will be the best one yet!”
49ers Racing IC
The 49ers Racing IC is a student collegiate design team where UNC Charlotte students design and manufacture a single-seater formula car to compete against 108 other universities at the Formula SAE competition in Michigan. Contributions will help fund the project and travel to this global competition.
“I want to work in the motorsports industry in the future, and 49ers Racing gives students an opportunity to build the skill sets and connections to help achieve that goal,” said Daniel McKoy.
lunabotics Team
UNC Charlotte’s Lunabotics team is a group of 10 multidisciplinary engineering students who will compete in the 2025 NASA Lunabotics Competition at the Kennedy Space Center. Contributions will help the team build a lunar rover and give them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of NASA’s research and design process.
Matthew Ewert, team treasurer and mechanical engineering student, said, “The Charlotte Lunabotis team provides a platform for me to learn about robotics in a professional setting while allowing me to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share similar goals. Being part of this organization allows me to expand my network and connect with others in this field.”
design-build-fly TEam
The Design-Build-Fly senior design team is raising funds to compete in the international DBF competition sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation, Textron Aviation and Raytheon. Funding will help the DBF team design, build and test a radio-controlled aircraft to execute specific missions and travel to the competition.
Project lead Kyle VanHorn stated, “Being a part of the AIAA student branch has greatly shaped my college experience. It has given me an outlet to pursue my interests in aerospace, and it has helped connect me with professors and like-minded peers. The AIAA allowed me to connect with Assistant Professor Artur Wolek, who has served as my research advisor, and I have been fortunate enough to present my research at an AIAA conference at the Kennedy Space Center.”
engineering leadership academy
Engineering Leadership Academy students are tasked with completing a hands-on community service capstone project. Help them find their spark and support one or more of the Engineering Leadership Academy’s capstone projects.
“This program is helping me become a better leader so that I can someday lead a team or a company,” said Calvin Zoellinger. “This program has made me better at talking to others and has allowed me to be a better communicator.”
equestrian club
The Equestrian Club is seeking support to allow UNC Charlotte students with a passion for riding to train and compete at Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competitions.
“The Equestrian Club was a great way to get back into a sport that I was very involved in during my childhood and a way to connect with people from different backgrounds with similar interests,” said Madison Brown.
figure skating club
The Figure Skating Club is Charlotte’s first collegiate-level figure skating team. Donate today to help them represent Niner Nation with pride in the Southeastern competition series this season.
“I wanted to be a part of some kind of figure skating team at UNC Charlotte, but we didn’t have one at the time,” said Kara Mann. “I was very happy when I heard one was being put together. It has helped me meet new people and get closer to other skaters.”
First-Generation Celebration Week
Support First-Generation Celebration Week, Nov. 4-10, to provide various activities to first-gen students to connect and create a sense of belonging.
“I got involved with the organization to have the opportunity to lead others and create opportunities and guidance for them to be successful as first-generation students,” said Jhania Vitalis. “This organization has allowed me to develop my confidence and public speaking skills to communicate to others and has helped me establish more connections with other students and faculty members.”
mock trial
Help Mock Trial members enhance their public speaking, critical thinking skills and further their legal careers to compete against top-notch mock trial clubs leading up to the Southeast regional tournament in the spring.
“I joined mock trial during my freshman year after overhearing someone in one of my classes talking about it,” said Colin Coleman. “I have met most of my best friends through the group, along with people outside of engineering.”
natoinal society of black engineers
Help send members of Charlotte’s National Society of Black Engineers to the NSBE 51st annual convention in Chicago, Illinois. The event presents opportunities for students to network with industry professionals, develop skills in workshops and take advantage of impactful resources.
“I got involved with NSBE because I wanted to work on being more collaborative, grow personally and learn leadership skills, setting an example to the newcomers of NSBE before I graduate,” said David Joseph.
women’s club basketbalL
Women’s club basketball aims to raise funds for new equipment and travel expenses to ensure that all team members have access to quality equipment and the opportunity to compete against other schools. Help them build a stronger, more competitive team.
“I got involved with the women’s club basketball team because I wanted to stay active, build friendships and be part of a supportive community,” said Anika Darekar. “Playing on the team has enhanced my experience by providing a sense of belonging and teamwork, while also allowing me to improve my skills and compete at a higher level. The camaraderie and shared passion for the sport have made my time at UNC Charlotte even more memorable and fulfilling.”
alternative service break
Alternative Service Break is a unique volunteer experience during which students forgo their traditional spring break activities and engage in direct service in a community outside of their own. Previous service activities have included house building, storm cleanup and childcare. Alternative Service Break is seeking funding to expand these programs and make them more affordable.
“I got involved with Alternative Service Break because I really enjoyed my experience with the program last year,” said Ysabelle Blaine. The program has enhanced my UNC Charlotte experience because it gave me valuable experience and relationships. It has also given me other opportunities and ways to be involved on campus!”
The Association of Latino Professionals for America
The Association of Latino Professionals For America is seeking support to empower future leaders to continue making a difference in the Charlotte community and the nation. Funding will help an ALPFA undergraduate member go to the national convention in Las Vegas.
Air Force ROTC
Air Force ROTC Detachment 592 is organizing a Dining Out ceremony and other events to support the detachment’s cadets in their efforts to become an officer in the United States Air Force or Space Force. Funding will help orchestrate and cater this formal event, present awards and subsidize tickets so cadets will not have to pay to attend.