Marshall’s Day of Giving is an opportunity for the Marshall family to join together and make a lasting impact on the students of Marshall and to help shape the future of the institution. Beginning at noon on Wednesday, April 24, Marshall’s Day of Giving will highlight “1837 Minutes for Marshall.” A nod to the university’s founding year, just over 30 hours will be dedicated to compel faculty, staff, alumni and supporters to donate by visiting givingday.marshall.edu.
“Philanthropy is not just a concept but a deeply personal commitment for me,” Marshall’s President Brad D. Smith said. “As we approach April 24-25, I extend a heartfelt invitation to every member of the Marshall family to join hands on Marshall’s Day of Giving. Let us collectively celebrate and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of those who selflessly support our students, enhance our campus and uphold our mission through their generous acts.”
Day of Giving supporters are encouraged to contribute financially to specific projects, scholarships, departments, or other areas of need identified by the university. The day features challenges, matching gifts and incentives to increase participation and impact. Donors can choose to support initiatives that align with their interests and passions, ranging from academic programs, student organizations and campus facilities.
In addition to making a monetary contribution, participants are encouraged to take part in the interactive aspects of the event by becoming an official Marshall Day of Giving ambassador. Ambassadors serve to inspire others to give by sharing their personal experiences with Marshall and their own giving stories through email and across social media. Ambassadors may sign up through the same website, givingday.marshall.edu. Along with individual participation, many of the university’s alumni chapters are signing up to become ambassadors.
With close to 77% of Marshall students receiving some sort of financial aid, contributions during Day of Giving make education possible and accessible. In the past fiscal year, there were 6,275 gifts made to the university, including faculty and staff contributions. The university also saw an increase in first-time givers with more than 500 new donors. Of those gifts, 76% were under $250, signifying that a gift of any amount can have a lasting impact.
For more information about making an impact through giving, contact the Marshall University Foundation at 304-696-6264 or visit www.formarshallu.org.