For the first time ever, San Francisco State University is launching Gators Give Day, a University-wide day of philanthropy celebrating SFSU. The entire community of SFSU alumni, supporters and friends is encouraged to support the campus cause of their choice, whether it’s a student club or one of SFSU’s colleges, programs or departments.
Gators Give Day begins at midnight Wednesday, April 2, and ends at 11:59 p.m. More than 60 groups consisting of colleges, schools, departments, student organizations and clubs will participate in the 24-hour event and will launch their own online fundraising page in addition to the main University giving page. Every donation made on April 2 will count toward the Giving Day totals and will have a measurable impact on student success.
“This special day brings together alumni and friends to celebrate the San Francisco State community and enhance the future for all of us at SFSU,” said Jeff Jackanicz, vice president for University Advancement. “SFSU has transformed the lives of so many, and Gators Give Day is a wonderful way for people to say ‘thank you.’ Every dollar donated will continue to make the lives of our students brighter.”
Amplifying Our Reach
Gators Give Day is a chance for the University to make its case to its community of alumni, supporters and friends. Faculty and staff are encouraged to amplify our reach by sharing giving day updates on social media and helping to spread the word, using posts and our crowdfunding platform that will be shared leading up to and during the day on April 2.
Schedule of Matches and Challenges on April 2
Gators Give Day will include several matches and challenges to encourage broad participation. At different points during the day, updates and leaderboards on our crowdfunding platform will track the following matches and challenges.
Hourly Challenges
6 to 8 a.m.: Early Bird Challenge
Share a photo of yourself in SFSU gear celebrating Gators Give Day using #GatorsGiveDay to unlock $1,000 for the fund of your choice.
8 to 10 a.m.: Student Org Power Hour
The top three student organizations receiving the most gifts during this time period will unlock $1,000.
10 a.m. to noon: Gator Hatchlings and Paws Challenge
Post a photo of your pet or child in SFSU gear with #GatorsGiveDay. One winner will be selected to unlock $1,000 for the cause they care most about.
Noon to 2 p.m.: Faculty and Staff Challenge
The fund receiving the most gifts from SFSU faculty and staff will get an extra $1,000.
2 to 5 p.m.: Gator Pride Challenge
The school, college or other campus fund with the most unique donors during this time period wins $1,000.
5 to 7 p.m.: Rush Hour Donor Challenge
The two funds with the most donors during this time will each get an extra $1,000.
7 to 9 p.m.: Ready, Set, Give!
The first fund to reach 25 donors in this time period wins an additional $1,000.
9 to 11 p.m.: Late Night Gator Challenge
The two funds with the most donors during this time period win $1,000 each.
11 p.m. to midnight: Thank You Challenge
Post a thank you video to donors, sharing what you love about SFSU, and include the hashtag #GatorsGiveDay. One winner will be selected to unlock $1,000 for their cause.
Campus community members are encouraged to help promote the event and participate in any of the matching and challenge opportunities if they’re interested.
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- Gators Give Day raises more than $109K for students, programs and clubsMore than 640 SFSU supporters made donations during the University’s first-ever giving day Thanks to the generous support of the University’s alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, SFSU’s inaugural Gators Give Day was a resounding success. More than 640 SFSU supporters united on April 2 and raised over $109,000 in just 24 hours. These gifts will immediately impact scholarships, academic programs, student organizations and essential University initiatives. More than 60 groups consisting of colleges, schools, departments, student organizations and clubs participated in the event through their own online fundraising pages, in addition to the main University giving page. Every donation made on April 2 counted toward the Giving Day totals. Alumni made up the majority of those giving on Gators Give Day (26%), followed closely by SFSU staff and faculty (24%) and students (20%). “This extraordinary day truly highlights the community spirit that defines SFSU,” said Jeff Jackanicz, vice president of University Advancement. “We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped us meet our goal of empowering student success. With so many alumni, faculty and staff, and student donors, it’s clear we are continuing to build a broad culture of community-driven philanthropy at SFSU.” The College of Science & Engineering (CoSE) raised more than $10,000 from 59 donors, the most money raised by any individual college. CoSE plans to use the money to support its Student Project Showcase, an event that culminates in a year’s worth of faculty-guided research. Students present their research findings from at the spring event. “I am so grateful to the donors that provided support for our Student Project Showcase on Gators Give Day. This annual event highlights more than 200 research and senior projects across our entire college,” said College of Science & Engineering Dean Carmen Domingo. “Having the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned over the years at SFSU gives students a deep sense of pride and confidence that they have developed the skills and knowledge to launch a successful career in STEM.” Ninety-six people donated to SFSU’s Men’s Rugby Club, the most for any campus organization raising more than $3,500. Kiril Gupta, secretary and head of social media for the 45-member SFSU Men’s Rugby Club team, says he was especially pleased to see that the team received the highest number of student donors of any group. “When we brought the team back during the fall ’22 semester, our old officers always emphasized campus engagement and being a part of the school community,” he said. “Having a high number of donors shows to our team that we have done a great job of being a part of the school community, and we are grateful for students at SF State supporting us.” The team plans to spend the windfall on field rentals, new equipment, travel, medical supplies, new uniforms and more. If you missed Gators Give Day or still want to help, there’s always time to make a difference. Ongoing support ensures that SFSU will continue to deliver excellence and access to transformative education rooted in innovation and equity. Learn more about giving to support SFSU. And look forward to next year’s Gators Give Day, when we’ll achieve even greater success for our campus community.
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