CSU, Chico’s Annual Giving Day—24 Hours, One Hundred Worthy Causes

A single financial gift to California State University, Chico will help students in many different ways. Thousands of gifts will transform lives and the trajectories of those students’ families.

On Wednesday, March 4, from midnight to 11:59 p.m., the University will host Chico State Giving Day, its annual 24-hour fundraising effort to benefit dozens of campus causes, from scholarships and student success centers to Wildcat Athletics and basic needs. With more than 100 available causes, any gift to any area will count toward the University’s Giving Day totals during the drive—with special goals wrapped into the day’s events.

Day-of activities for this year’s Giving Day will take place in Trinity Commons from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a tabling fair to meet dozens of the causes fundraising that day, live music in partnership with Associated Students, games, cookies and more.

Evelyn Buchanan, associate vice president for University Advancement, noted that Giving Day is the ideal time for current CSU, Chico students, alumni, and their families and friends to come together for a common goal.

“Giving Day offers opportunities to support the programs near to the hearts of our campus community and to make a difference for Chico State students,” Buchanan said.

Last year, more than 2,400 CSU, Chico alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends committed to 3,029 financial gifts totaling over $320,000 toward 142 causes.

To add some excitement and inspiration—not to mention healthy competition—members of the University Board of Governors and Tower Society are offering Challenge and Bonus Gifts as special rewards to unlock throughout Giving Day. For example, when the total number of gifts to Chico State Giving Day campaigns reaches 3,000, $10,000 will be unlocked for the Chico State Fund. Similarly, the first fund to receive 50 gifts during the 24-hour event will receive a bonus $100.

Timed challenges with bonus awards will also happen throughout the day, including a pair of “Power Hours,” social media challenges, and first and final gifts. And a “Race to Unlock the Map” has to potential to unlock more than $30,000 if certain volumes of gifts can be secured from different regions across the country.

“Once unlocked, these challenge gifts will maximize the philanthropic dollars for Chico State,” Buchanan said. “It’s a way for our entire community—from the students all the way to the University Board of Governors—to work together to help transform the future of our campus.”