Organizers hope that contributions made during this year's Giving Tuesday exceed last year's record haul.Hoping to build on last year's record take of donations, Sacramento State is urging even more participation in this year's Giving Tuesday, a global day of philanthropy fueled by the power of social media.
This year Giving Tuesday is on Nov. 28. It is the sixth year for the program, the fifth in which Sac State has participated.
The day is the focus of an effort to create a a specific window dedicated to giving. Organizers hope it becomes recognized in the realm of personal generosity the way Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become synonymous with holiday shopping.
University supporters are encouraged to donate any amount to a favorite college, department or program. The University Foundation at Sacramento State will match individual gifts of up to $100 from all first-time donors, recent graduates, students, faculty, and staff until $10,000 is reached.
“Giving Tuesday is a hugely important initiative for Sac State, particularly as it relates to supporting our students by way of scholarships,” says Al Frisone, vice president for University Advancement. “It’s a unique opportunity for our alumni, friends, faculty and staff to come together in support of our students and the University overall.
"Nothing demonstrates school spirit better than stepping up and making a gift on Giving Tuesday.”
In 2016, Giving Tuesday donations to Sac State hit a record of more than $130,000, an increase of slightly more than 82 percent over the previous year. University President Robert S. Nelsen and his wife, Jody, gave $25,000 to support students in crisis through emergency grants.
The Student Emergency Grant Fund is just one of the many donation options and safety nets for students experiencing financial challenges that have an impact on their academics. Other assistance is available for students facing food insecurity, housing instability, and unexpected financial emergencies. Also provided is professional attire for students going to job interviews, and help developing money-management skills.
Donors can target virtually are corners of Sac State, a task made easier by the numerous entry points on the Giving Tuesday web page.
In addition to the generosity of donors, the success of Giving Tuesday relies on social media activity generated by sharing and tagging posts with the unique #Give2SacState hashtag. Throughout the day, the Giving Tuesday leaderboard will be updated for all colleges, the University Library, Science Complex, scholarships and more.
Giving Tuesday was founded in 2012 by a team at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y, a world-class cultural and community center in New York. The Giving Tuesday website states that the event "connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving."
To learn more about giving to Sac State and the impact of donations, visit University Development or call 916-278-6989. - Anita Fitzhugh