Giving Day, UC Santa Cruz’s largest fundraising event of the year, returns Nov. 20.
The ninth annual 24-hour online crowdfunding campaign will host more than 175 project teams, 20 challenges and is poised to amplify and support thousands of students.
Funds raised during Giving Day directly benefit student and campus projects, helping to ensure students have access to financial support, basic needs, mental-health resources, opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research, and connections that catalyze their social mobility.
"UC Santa Cruz Giving Day embodies the remarkable dedication and generosity of our community," said Chancellor Cynthia Larive. "It’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we unite in support of a shared purpose."
Last year’s Giving Day wrapped up with a record-breaking $1.5 million raised within 24 hours. It was the second year in a row that Giving Day raised more than $1 million and saw a record number of donations, projects, and challenges.
Jenna Hurley (Cowell ’13, psychology), campus interim director of annual giving and the main organizer of Giving Day, emphasized the positive impact the 24-hour event has on students.
“This event is all about our Slugs,” she said. “It's about providing them with the resources and opportunities that will truly shape their futures. It's a powerful reminder of the incredible impact we can make when we rally together in support of their aspirations."
In 2023, the Center for Agroecology: UCSC Farm closed off Giving Day with the highest earning of any project with more than $124,000 raised. The funds from the project are being used to repair the 30-year-old fence surrounding the farm, which protects the crops, and will support the overall program.
"We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support we received during Giving Day,” said Center for Agroecology Executive Director Darryl Wong. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible. The funds we raised support our research, extension, and education programs."
Slug Rugby secured first-place wins in two challenges and finished in the top three in four additional ones during last year’s Giving Day. Slug Rugby leveraged its large alumni base to become one of Giving Day’s most widely supported projects with 405 donations. With the additional $10,000 in challenge prizes, Slug Rugby’s earnings catapulted to $47,000.
Slug Rugby used its Giving Day funds to buy equipment and training gear, travel across California and Nevada to compete in competitions, host tournaments on campus, record and broadcast matches, engage in preseason and postseason matches, and compete at the highest possible level. Funds also allowed for increased player recruitment and retention by decreasing the financial barriers to participation.
Students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, and alumni are encouraged to support UC Santa Cruz during the 24-hour online crowdfunding contest. Time-based challenges award prizes to teams for the most donors, the best social media presence, the most compelling videos, and more. Giving Day donors also compete with one another to propel their favorite projects into first place during these challenges, or they might see their gifts doubled by generous donors offering matching funds.
Giving Day kicks off at midnight. Nov. 20 and runs through to 11:59 p.m. The Giving Day website will provide up-to-the-moment tallies. A new online platform will support payments by Google Pay, Apple Pay, Venmo, Paypal, and credit card.
For more information about UCSC’s Giving Day 2024, visit the Giving Day website or email giving@ucsc.edu.
