Giving Day surpasses last year's totals, setting new record

Cleveland State University’s seventh-annual Giving Day, held on Tuesday, February 12, raised more than $460,000 from over 2,500 donors, setting new records in both giving and donor totals.

The event united academic colleges, athletics and other units for a 24-hour campaign to raise support for student success and is part of a growing trend nationwide of engaging University constituents in digital philanthropy.

“I want to personally thank all of the individuals who contributed to this tremendous showing of Viking Pride,” said Harlan Sands, president of Cleveland State University. “The money raised will directly support current and future students in reaching their academic and career goals.”

Conducted largely online, the fundraising initiative used a crowdfunding platform combined with email marketing and a robust social media presence. Prizes and incentives rewarded “Social Ambassadors” who used tools on the CSU Giving Day website to promote the initiative online and raise funds through their own social networks.

Donors who pledged “challenge gifts” helped maximize the impact of group efforts -- particularly among the University’s athletic teams, where men’s lacrosse and the swimming and diving teams each raised over $50,000 for scholarships and student-athlete support.

“It is amazing to see the campus community rally together for 24 hours in support of the colleges and programs that mean the most to them,” said Rachel Peres, director of annual giving. “This year, students were offered the opportunity to sign thank you cards so that they too could take part in the spirit of the day.”

In the seven-year history of Giving Day, support for the University has increased by at least 50% each year, with this year’s performance vastly outpacing last year’s effort.