OHIO to host first-ever Giving Day

The countdown is on to a historic day at Ohio University as it prepares to host its first-ever Giving Day, a 24-hour event designed to galvanize the collective pride of Bobcat Nation and provide Bobcats an opportunity to have a lasting impact on Ohio’s first and finest.

A 24-hour online campaign to inspire alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends to support the part of Ohio University they care about most, OHIO Giving Day kicks off at midnight on Thursday, April 18, and continues until 11:59 p.m.

“The affinity those who have experienced Ohio University have for this singular place is like nothing I have ever seen before, particularly among our more than 258,000 living alumni,” said Nico Karagosian, vice president of University Advancement and president and CEO of The Ohio University Foundation. “Giving Day is about channeling that passion into a day dedicated to Bobcat spirit and providing our OHIO family a way to get involved with the University that is meaningful to them, life changing for our students and life affirming for Ohio University.”

On Giving Day, all donations made to Ohio University—either through the OHIO Giving Day website or through the year-round Support OHIO website—will be counted toward the campaign’s total. The OHIO Giving Day website will feature six Giving Day causes and related funds that align with Ohio University’s strategic priorities and initiatives as well as with donor interests. Those causes are:

• Diversity and Inclusion, featuring funds that strengthen OHIO’s inclusive practices, institutional policies, curricula and programs that lead to a supportive and affirming environment that welcomes and respects all.
• Sustainability, highlighting funds that seek to cement OHIO’s position as a thought leader in this area and that align with the University’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
• Academic Excellence, spotlighting funds that help OHIO to attract the best and brightest young scholars and provide students with unique opportunities for engaging and learning.
• Community, showcasing funds that propel OHIO as a positive catalyst for change in the communities we call home, in the Appalachian region, across the state and nation, and around the world by engaging with these communities in meaningful, cutting-edge ways.
• Student support, emphasizing funds that are committed to the development of students as scholars, leaders, advocates, professionals and people and that promote student success.
• Bobcat Spirit, featuring funds that support the places, people, traditions and points of pride that set Ohio University apart and that showcase what it means to be a Bobcat.

While Giving Day is about financially supporting Ohio University, the bigger goal is about getting those who love Ohio University to engage with it.

“Giving Day is a way for Bobcats to come together,” said Sarah Lack, associate director of development for annual giving. “The dollar amount you give doesn’t matter. It could be $1, it could $5, it could be $10. Your gift is amplified because you’re giving on a day when so many others are giving and choosing to be a part of the first-ever OHIO Giving Day.”

Donors are already coming forward to support OHIO Giving Day by funding donation matches and challenges that will be announced via email throughout the 24-hour event.

It’s not too early for you to get involved, as well! To subscribe to the OHIO Giving Day email list and for updates on this history-making event, visit ohiogivingday.com, and show your support for OHIO Giving Day by sharing your Bobcat pride, photos and memories on social media using #OHIOGivingDay.