COLLEGE PARK, Md - Nearly 10,000 donors rallied on the University of Maryland’s 11th annual Giving Day on March 6, 2024 to raise a record $4,221,558 in support of academic units, student organizations, scholarships and emergency funding across campus.
The amount reflected not just an increase in funds—up from $3.8 million in 2023—but also in the number of participants; that jumped from 8,967 last year to 9,663 during 2024’s 24-hour philanthropy marathon, bringing UMD’s grand Giving Day total to more than $21.5 million
“The unprecedented support from our community will further enrich the academic experience for our students, advance our research enterprise and provide resources we need to tackle the grand challenges of our time,” said President Darryll J. Pines. “Together, we are building a brighter future for the University of Maryland, our state and our world.”
Donors gave to 493 causes in 29 units, with spikes in both student (11.1%) and faculty and staff (13.8%) contributors compared to last year. The number of first-time donors also increased 18%.
Athletics, a Giving Day powerhouse each year, topped the leaderboard in money raised, bringing in $569,910 from 627 donors.
“Our successes on and off the playing fields and courts wouldn’t be possible without our amazing and supportive Terp Nation,” said Damon Evans, the Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make Giving Day 2024 one of the best ever.”
Maryland Hillel, which serves Jewish Terps, surged to second overall, raising $445,957 from 860 donors; those numbers reflected dramatic year-over-year increases of 100% and 124%, respectively. Besides a successful student campaign led by Development Associate Leah Bregman ’24, parent boosters helped drive this year’s success—especially in light of the conflict in Israel and Gaza, said Hillel Executive Director Ari Israel.
“Some parents said, ‘We want to thank the university for creating a positive atmosphere for the Jewish community in times of turmoil and unrest,’” said Israel, who added that Hillel will use the funds for hosting events like Shabbat Across Maryland, fostering community and developing leaders. “People really felt this is a year we want to be supportive and come out positive.”
The College of Education placed third among all units after receiving a big bump in support; it raised $301,598 from 282 donors compared to $226,476 from 222 donors in 2023. College leaders credited an emphasis on faculty and staff support, collaborations with passionate alums, and multiple major gifts for the boost.
“I could not be more proud of all of the generosity and hard work that went into our Giving Day success this year,” said Dean Kimberly Griffin. “There is no shortage of challenges facing education, and I think that the support we received was a reflection of a shared investment in eliminating inequities and creating a better future for our youth and our society.”
The Graduate School saw the biggest jump in donations (716.7%), followed by the College of Information Studies (485.97%) and University Libraries (344.6%). The Graduate School (185%) also led the 18 units that increased their donor totals.
Social media challenges and power hours encouraged friendly campus competition throughout the day, with units earning extra funding by sharing themed photos with the #GivingDayUMD hashtag or notching the most faculty, staff, student and alum donors during designated times. The Mighty Sound of Maryland, well-known for its loyal parent and alum base, won four prizes, earning an extra $1,150. The challenges, as well as 50 matches, generated more than $800,000 in donor incentives.
“This year’s Giving Day results are truly amazing,” said Vice President for University Relations Jim F. Harris. “It’s inspiring to see months of collaboration and planning across our campus yield measurable impact for our students, faculty and programs.”