The George Washington University raised $969,993 from 2,182 donors during its first ever Giving Day on April 7. Donations rolled in from 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, China, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
“It was exciting to see GW come together to support our students during our first ever Giving Day,” said Patty Carocci, associate vice president of alumni relations and annual giving. “During our Bicentennial year it has been wonderful to hear from so many in our community and to see that enthusiasm have an impact on Giving Day. Seeing alumni and friends of GW advocate in real time for our students by creating their own matches and challenges was truly inspiring.”
The fundraising total includes matches, challenges, online and offline gifts received during the Giving Day period. Alumni made up 66 percent of donors, while 17 percent were faculty and staff, 11 percent were friends of GW, 7 percent were parents and 5 percent were current students. Some donors belong to more than one category.
More than 30 GW community members made matching commitments that will support teaching, learning and living at the university, including a $200,000 match to scholarships from an anonymous donor.
Funds raised will go toward student scholarships and support, university initiatives and areas of need for individual schools and units.
“We are especially grateful for the support for scholarships across the university,” Ms. Carocci said. “Whether donating to a school-specific scholarship or university-wide student aid, scholarship funds will help those with the greatest need access the world-class academic opportunities available at GW.”
