Giving Day Returns to Share the Love
By Christine Vaughan
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the University community will come together for CSUSM Giving Day to support the causes closest to their heart and double their philanthropic impact with a dollar-for-dollar match.
CSUSM Giving Day is held in conjunction with the international effort known as Giving Tuesday. Last year, CSUSM’s 24-hour campaign broke records and received 684 gifts that totaled more than $250,000, thanks in part to a dollar-for-dollar match from Jack Raymond, chair of the CSUSM Foundation Board. On Nov. 27, Raymond will once again match all donations to Cal State San Marcos, up to $1,000 per gift. He hopes his match will inspire others to give from the heart.
“It’s exciting to see our campus and community rally around the University causes that are important to them in a fun and yet competitive way,” he said. “I enjoy watching the leaderboards each year – and this year, I’m looking forward to being on campus for Giving Day and seeing the action live.”
With more than 100 programs and initiatives to support at CSUSM, the University’s Giving Day focuses on the heart and draws inspiration from heart idioms with the overarching theme of “Give with the Heart of a Cougar.” The campaign goes beyond financial goals and strives to grow participation, which is the paramount evaluation of success for Giving Day.
Challenge Grants Raise the Stakes
This year, 13 donor-funded challenges will help incentivize giving. With an additional $10,000 on the line, each gift could result in a bonus donation up to $2,000. The challenge grants are generously funded by Stone Brewing Co. co-founder Steve and Laura Wagner and Alumni Association President Nathaniel Keifer-Wheals '09.
Many of the challenges are playfully named – like the Early Bird Challenge, which will give an additional $2,000 to the fund with the largest number of participating donors before 6 a.m. The Happy Hour Challenge encourages alumni giving between 4-6 p.m., awarding a bonus $500 for one lucky fund that receives an alumni gift during those two hours. Social media challenges, including use of the hashtag #HeartofaCougar, or direct messaging a selfie video declaring “I gave because ...” offer bonus cash prizes for the programs and initiatives across CSUSM that are participating in Giving Day.
“CSUSM Giving Day is a unique opportunity for a new generation of Cougars to support what they love about their University,” said Sean Briner, who oversees annual giving. “When the Cal State San Marcos community comes together to give, the collective impact is enormous.”
Visit csusm.edu/givingday for more information and to give.
Media Contact
Christine Vaughan, Creative Communications Officer
cvaughan@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-4409