Giving Day Overview & Strategy

Overview 

Giving Day is an annual 24-hour fundraising effort to inspire Wildcats in the University of Arizona community to make a gift in support of students and the university. 

The Strategy 

Crowdfunding: A Giving Day crowdfunding page (givingday.arizona.edu) will drive all traffic from email and social media to the site for giving. 

Email: The first email for Giving Day will be sent on 1/14/25 to “save the date” and sign up to be an Ambassador. A series of emails will be sent beginning on 2/13/25 that include three central messages and two unit-specific messages. Wildcats will be asked to spread the word about Giving Day on their social media platforms, make an early gift and participate in challenges. 

Social Media: Social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn) will start on Jan. 14, 2025, with one-month-out posts and ramp up on Feb. 7, 2025 (1 week out). Arizona Alumni and University of Arizona accounts will serve as the primary social media channels. A social media toolkit will be provided for academic units, non-academic units, leadership boards, student organizations and ambassadors. Use the hashtag #BearDownGiveBack for social media posts to appear on the Giving Day tag board.

Telephone Outreach Program (TOP): Student callers will make phone calls asking for support of Giving Day. Students will also use person-to-person texting throughout the campaign to send a direct giving link and reply to questions from donors. 

Direct Mail: Annual Giving will mail a direct mail appeal to donors and lapsed donors in mid- January to get early gifts returned before February 14. No assigned prospects will be solicited. 

Major and Leadership Giving: Development Officers will secure major and leadership level gifts for challenges and lead gifts. 

Student Event: The Bobcats will be hosting an event on the mall from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on February 13 to educate students about the impact of philanthropy and participate in donor stewardship activities.