Donors to the University of Michigan made gifts totaling $4.36 million during the second annual Giving Blueday, held on Giving Tuesday, a worldwide day of giving. More than 6,925 donors gave to Michigan.
From midnight to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, the university invited alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, parents, and others to support causes important to them at the university.
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All gifts on Giving Blueday count toward the university’s $4 billion Victors for Michigan campaign.
Last year, donors eclipsed Giving Blueday $1 million goal in just 13 hours, giving a total of $3.2 million. This year, giving surpassed last year’s total before 5 p.m. and the number of donors passed last year’s total before 5:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled that donors have once again surpassed our expectations of their generosity on Giving Blueday 2015,” said Vice President for Development Jerry May.
More than 100 student organizations raised funds for their causes.
“We are very proud of our students who understand that donors have had a great impact on the quality of their U-M experience. In turn, our students have supported areas throughout the university that are important to them,” said May.
Challenges, special events, and real-time updates throughout the day encouraged giving. Donors provided $40,000 to match gifts from students. Hourly social media challenges urged online posts about Giving Blueday, with participants randomly selected to have $1,000 donated on their behalf to their chosen cause at U-M.
Schools, colleges and units hosted their own challenges and events throughout the day. The Horace H. Rackham Graduate School hosted a doughnut reception to encourage students to give, and the LSA dean’s Young Alumni Council hosted a combined Giving Blueday and U-M basketball viewing party.
While most gifts were in the range of $5 to $200, a few donors made gifts far outside that. One donor made a gift of $25,000 to support 11 areas of the university; another donor made a gift of $20,000; and a donor made a gift of $1 million to support scholarships in the School of Nursing.
“Giving Blueday 2015 was a resounding success thanks to our amazing donors. We are particularly proud of our U-M students who not only raised funds for 108 student organizations, but also made gifts to support areas they were passionate about,” said May.
