Giving Day 2024 at the University of Mississippi, April 9-10, will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to support academic and outreach programs through an online, social media-driven campaign.
Last year’s Giving Day set a record with $6.83 million from 2,399 gifts. The 2024 event allows the Ole Miss family to match their passions with 22 compelling areas to enhance the student experience, academic programs and community offerings.
The fifth Ole Miss Giving Day will launch at 9 a.m., April 9, and last 1 day, 8 hours and 48 minutes, in honor of the university’s founding year of 1848. The campaign goals include attracting gifts for participating schools, colleges and programs, and encouraging involvement in vibrant university developments.
Alumni and friends are encouraged to watch a live stream of Giving Day interviews and other content on Ole Miss’ Facebook channel from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. April 9 and from 9 a.m. until 5:48 p.m. April 10.
“If you like to make a difference, then Giving Day is for you. This is your opportunity to learn about the needs on campus and be involved in an event that brings together Rebels from all over the world,” said Angela Atkins, associate director of Annual Giving in the Office of University Development.
“Giving Day is a fast-paced, competitive campaign for the Ole Miss family to see how we can make a difference by collaborating, as we share real-time giving results,” Atkins continued. “We’re asking our stakeholders to look at our programs and choose one – or more – to support with gifts.”
Funds raised will support academic, career and outreach programs. Learn about the initiatives and opportunities by visiting the Giving Day website at https://givingday.olemiss.edu.
UM’s 10 schools and the College of Liberal Arts are open for gifts during Giving Day, as well as Diversity and Community Engagement, Student Affairs, Outreach, Enrollment Management, Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, University Libraries, UM Museum and Historic Houses, Ole Miss First and Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy scholarship programs, Ole Miss Fund and the Ole Miss Alumni Association.
To fuel the momentum of Giving Day, different challenges and offerings will be in place from donors hoping to inspire others to give back. More than 75 challenge gifts will be posted on the Ole Miss Giving Day website, appealing to those who want to see their gift multiplied in value. Leaderboard challenges will pit schools and programs against each other to see which ones can secure the most gifts in five time periods and win additional funds.
May 2024 graduating seniors can make a gift of $24 to join the Flagship Society, an honorary giving society, and will receive graduation cords, reflecting their commitment to philanthropy. The schools of Education and Business Administration will staff tables in the lobbies of Guyton and Holman halls to offer this opportunity; memberships also can be completed online.
Those who enjoy social media are encouraged to sign up as Giving Day influencers at https://givingday.olemiss.edu. The university will provide influencers with everything needed to post on the platforms of their choice with the hashtag #OleMissGivingDay.
A feature of Giving Day is the “You+2” influencer program that incentivizes donors to make a gift and encourage two others to join them. Participants can win exclusive Giving Day swag, including a vintage-style “Gosh Almighty” pennant. Additionally, anyone who initiates a monthly gift on Giving Day will receive a red and gold Lyceum lapel pin.
Supporters can visit http://www.umfoundation.com/GivingDay to make a tax-deductible gift to Ole Miss. Those who give in advance of Giving Day will be listed at the top of the online Donor Wall unless they desire anonymity. Ole Miss Giving Day accepts Venmo, PayPal, ApplePay and all major credit cards.
“At the flagship university we build leaders,” said Charlotte Parks, vice chancellor for development. “It takes extraordinary resources to provide the scholarships, faculty support, technology, facilities and service opportunities that make it happen.
“Giving Day is an exciting, fun way for everyone to participate in Now & Ever: The Campaign for Ole Miss — our most ambitious fundraising effort ever,” she continued. “We want all members of the Ole Miss to be a part of it.”
For more information on Giving Day, contact Angela Atkins at adm1@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2755.
By Tina H. Hahn/UM Development