Second annual Gator Giving Day is March 18

The 24-hour fundraising event benefits students, programs and campus groups

San Francisco State University will host its second annual Gator Giving Day on Wednesday, March 18, in celebration of the University’s founding in March of 1899. The 24-hour online event begins at midnight and runs through 11:59 p.m. More than 100 campus groups — including colleges, schools, departments, student organizations and clubs — will participate and launch their own online fundraising pages in addition to the main University giving page. Every donation made on March 18 will count toward Giving Day totals and will have a measurable impact on student success. 

“Last year, our community of students, alumni, friends, staff and faculty came together in support of students and programs. We exceeded our goal of $100,000,” said Jeff Jackanicz, vice president for University Advancement. “This year we hope to raise more than $100,000, a total that will boost our clubs, academic programs, scholarships and much more. So think about what you love about SFSU and find a way to support it March 18.”

Last year, SFSU’s 3-D printing club was one of several student clubs to benefit from fundraising on Gator Giving Day. The club raised more than $2,000 and was able to purchase new 3-D printers and donate old ones to the Library’s Maker Space, making 3-D printing more accessible to students regardless of their major, said the club’s former president Keith Curry.

Amplifying our reach

Gator Giving 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 March 18.

Want to help spread the word? Sign up as a Gator Giving Day advocate to receive a personalized sharing link and helpful tips. 

Schedule of matches and challenges on March 18

Gator Giving 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. All times are Pacific.

Hourly Challenges

6 – 8 a.m.: Early Bird Challenge
Share a photo of yourself in SFSU gear celebrating Gator Giving Day using #GatorGivingDay to unlock $1,000 for the fund of your choice.

8 – 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. – noon: Gator Hatchlings and Paws Challenge
Post a photo of your pet or child in SFSU gear with #GatorGivingDay. One winner will be selected to unlock $1,000 for the cause they care most about.

Noon – 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 – 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 – 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 – 9 p.m.: Ready, Set, Give!
The first fund to reach 25 donors in this time period wins an additional $1,000.

9 – 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. – midnight: Thank You Challenge
Post a thank you video to donors, sharing what you love about SFSU, and include the hashtag #GatorGivingDay. 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 matching and challenge opportunities. Learn more at givingday.sfsu.edu.