OHIO Giving Day set for April 13

Ohio University’s third Giving Day kicks off at midnight on Wednesday, April 13, inviting alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends to share the OHIO experience with the next generation of Bobcats.

The 24-hour fundraising campaign will focus on supporting the experiential learning opportunities that have become the hallmark of an OHIO education.

“The Ohio University experience is one that stays with you forever,” OHIO President Hugh Sherman said. “OHIO Giving Day is critical in helping to expand opportunities for every student to build a portfolio of experiences that will shape who they become and prepare them for whatever comes next. I encourage every member of the University community to join in on April 13 and share the OHIO experience with the next generation.”

More than 1,800 donors contributed in 2021’s Giving Day, raising $479,639 for scholarships, programs and initiatives across the University.

“Looking to build on the success of last year, our goal for Giving Day 2022 is — fittingly — 2,022 donors,” Senior Director of Annual Giving Caty Allgood said. “I encourage everyone in the University community, especially our alumni, to consider how their OHIO experience has shaped their life. Giving Day is your chance to pass those same transformational experiences on to today’s students.”

The campaign’s website, givingday.ohio.edu, will feature nearly 150 unique funds, giving donors the chance to support the aspect of the OHIO experience they care about most. Three power hours are planned, one that adds a chance to double your gift and two others offering some fun OHIO swag: From 10-11 a.m., the first $100 of all gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000, thanks to The Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees and University leadership. Then, from 2-4 p.m., the first 500 donors who give $25 or more to any fund will receive a special Ohio University pennant as a thank you. From 8-9 p.m., the first 100 donors who give $50 or more to any fund will receive a one-of-a-kind Ohio University baseball cap.

Additionally, many funds have matching or challenge gifts in place, thanks to the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff and friends. All gifts made to OHIO on April 13 will count toward Giving Day totals.

“No matter how you’re connected to Ohio University, you know the special impact this place, its programs, and its people have on every student who has called OHIO home,” said Nico Karagosian, vice president of University Advancement and president and CEO of The Ohio University Foundation. “Please join us for this once-a-year celebration of the power of this community and of the OHIO experience. Your gift — and your participation — makes a difference.”