CSUSM Giving Day is for everyone who loves CSUSM to join together in support of the university and maximize their impact through a matching gift for 24 hours, from midnight-11:59 p.m.

Last year’s Giving Day raised $828,397 from 2,444 gifts in just 24 hours. The total raised was $80,000 more than the record set in the previous year.

Every gift impacts the students as they strive toward their goal of a CSUSM degree. The more support from alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, the more students' lives are changed and impacted.

Every gift counts toward the university’s “Blueprint for the Future” fundraising campaign, the largest in CSUSM’s history.

Find more information on the Giving Day FAQ webpage.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

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