Donors to the University of Michigan made gifts totaling $5,541,901 during the third annual Giving Blueday, which coincided with Giving Tuesday, a worldwide day of giving.
Total giving surpassed last year’s donations by more than $1 million. More than 7,364 donors gave to Michigan. Most gifts were less than $100.
more information
For 24 hours Tuesday, all three university campuses — Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint — encouraged alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, parents and others to support causes important to them by making gifts of all sizes.
For instance, the U-M Health System raised funds for the Bedside Art program that brings free art project kits to patients, families and visitors at the Health System.
“The U-M is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, thanks, in part, to the support from thousands of generous donors,” said Vice President for Development Jerry May. “Because of these donors, our third Giving Blueday was an incredible success. Donors made gifts of all sizes, supporting the areas of the university they were passionate about. These gifts, in the aggregate, significantly impact the university.”
All donors were able to participate in universitywide challenges and received real-time updates throughout the day. Twenty-one social media challenges encouraged donors to post about Giving Blueday on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a chance to earn a $1,000 donation for the cause of their choice at Michigan.
Acting as both fundraisers and donors, students made a huge impact on Giving Blueday. This year 117 student organizations raised money for programs like Cost Assistance for Resilient Engineers, an organization providing emergency funding to College of Engineering students; the Wolverine Support Network, a student-led peer support program; and Impact Dance, among others.
Donors increased the impact of their gifts by taking advantage of donor-provided matches. Some donors matched gifts to certain schools at the university, including $45,000 to match gifts from students.
All gifts made on Giving Blueday count toward the university’s ongoing $4 billion Victors for Michigan campaign, which includes a $1 billion goal for student support.
