HBCU Change FAQs

About HBCU Change

  • HBCU Change is a technology company dedicated to empowering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their partner organizations through innovative fundraising and engagement solutions. We build custom, white-label mobile apps that help institutions connect with their alumni and supporters, making it easier than ever to give back and stay engaged with their communities.

  • Our mission is to strengthen HBCU communities by providing cutting-edge technology that drives donations, increases alumni engagement, and builds lasting connections between institutions and their supporters. We believe in the power of HBCUs to transform lives, and we're committed to giving them the tools they need to thrive.

  • HBCU Change was founded by Xavier Peoples with a vision to leverage technology to support and uplift HBCU communities. Understanding the unique challenges HBCUs face in fundraising and alumni engagement, we created a solution that's culturally resonant and specifically designed for these institutions and their passionate alumni base.

  • We've signed contracts with approximately 37 HBCUs and are actively implementing apps with partner institutions including Alabama State University, Florida A&M University, and Alcorn State University. We're continuously expanding our network of partner schools and organizations.

Our Technology & Services

  • We provide fully customized, white-label mobile apps for iOS and Android that enable:

    • Easy donation processing with innovative round-up features

    • Alumni engagement and community building

    • Event promotion and attendance tracking

    • News and updates from your institution

    • Direct connection between alumni and their alma mater

    Each app is branded specifically for your institution with your colors, logos, and unique identity. Apps are available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

  • Our apps are built specifically for the HBCU community and designed with cultural resonance in mind. We understand the unique pride, traditions, and community bonds that connect HBCU alumni to their institutions. Plus, our innovative round-up donation feature makes giving effortless—users can automatically round up everyday purchases and donate the difference to their alma mater.

  • Every app we develop is created in close partnership with your organization. This means:

    • You have full approval authority over design, features, and content

    • Your organization maintains complete control over the app and its messaging

    • We work collaboratively to ensure the app reflects your brand and values

    • The final product is truly yours—we're just the technology partner bringing your vision to life

  • To get started, we'll need:

    • Your organization's logos (various formats and sizes)

    • Official colors and brand guidelines

    • Hero images and photos that represent your institution or organization

    • Complete brand kit (if available)

    • Key contact information for ongoing coordination

    Our team will guide you through the entire process and make onboarding as smooth as possible.

  • Implementation timelines vary based on each organization's specific needs and readiness. Our team works closely with you throughout the process to ensure a successful launch. We'll provide a detailed timeline during our initial discussions.

  • Absolutely! We provide continuous technical support, regular updates, and ongoing maintenance to ensure your app runs smoothly and continues to meet your organization's evolving needs.

Pricing & Partnership

  • Our pricing structure includes:

    • Onboarding fee (one-time)

    • Transaction fee (percentage of donations processed through the app)

    • Maintenance fee (monthly, after reaching certain user thresholds)

    We offer customized pricing packages tailored to your organization's size, goals, and budget. Contact us for a detailed proposal specific to your needs.

  • The onboarding fee covers:

    • Custom app design and development

    • Integration of your branding and identity

    • Initial setup and configuration

    • Launch support and coordination

    • Training for your team

  • No hidden fees—we believe in transparency. Our pricing structure is straightforward, and we'll discuss all costs upfront before you commit.

  • Donations are processed securely through the app, and funds are transferred directly to your organization according to the payment schedule we establish together. We handle all the technical aspects of payment processing while you focus on engaging your community.

  • Your organization is responsible for providing all tax documentation (such as donation receipts and tax statements) to users who donate through your app. As the recipient organization, you maintain the donor relationship and compliance with IRS requirements.

Marketing & Community Engagement

  • Yes! We provide marketing support and can help develop comprehensive launch strategies including:

    • Social media campaigns

    • Email marketing to alumni or member lists

    • Event-based promotion (homecoming, athletic events, galas, conferences)

    • Influencer partnerships with notable alumni or community leaders

    • On-campus or on-site street teams

    We work with you to create a marketing plan that fits your organization's culture and reaches your community where they are.

  • Our primary users are alumni and supporters aged 25-55, particularly millennial alumni who are digitally engaged and have strong connections to their alma mater or organization. The apps also attract community members, parents, and anyone passionate about supporting your mission.

  • Absolutely! We partner with fraternities, sororities, and other Greek organizations to create branded apps that engage members and drive donations to national or chapter-specific causes.

Security & Trust

  • Yes. We take security seriously and use industry-leading partners to ensure the highest level of protection:

    • Plaid for secure bank account connections (bank-level security)

    • Stripe for payment processing and donation remittance (bank-level security)

    • Industry-standard encryption and security protocols

    Your donors' information and financial transactions are protected with the same security standards used by major financial institutions.

  • We comply with all relevant data protection regulations and handle donor information with the utmost care. Data is used solely for app functionality and engagement purposes, and we never share or sell user information to third parties. Your organization maintains ownership of your donor relationships and data.

  • The app supports major credit cards, debit cards, and other secure payment methods through Stripe. Our round-up feature connects securely to users' bank accounts via Plaid to enable automatic micro-donations.

  • All apps we develop are available on both the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android), making it easy for your community to access the app on any device.

Our Vision & Partners

  • We envision HBCU Change becoming the premier fundraising and engagement platform for every HBCU in the nation and for mission-driven organizations that want to build deeper connections with their communities. We want to empower these institutions with the technology and tools they need to build stronger networks, increase giving, and secure their futures for generations to come.

  • We work with:

    • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

    • Greek organizations (fraternities and sororities)

    • Alumni associations

    • Nonprofit organizations

    • Educational foundations

    • Community organizations

    • Any mission-driven group looking to strengthen donor engagement and streamline fundraising

    If your organization values community, connection, and impact, we'd love to partner with you.

  • Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new partnerships, app launches, success stories, and company news.

Still Have Questions?

We'd love to hear from you! Contact our team at [contact email] or reach out to our leadership:

  • Xavier Peoples, CEO

  • Khadijah Robinson, Interim COO

Let's work together to build a brighter future for your organization and community.