Philanthropy

If it’s April, it’s once again time for the TU Big Give.

Last year, the university community responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting Tigers in need through the Student Emergency and Food Insecurity Fund and the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund. In what was previously a weeklong giving event, the reimagined one-day challenge broke the daily giving record, raising more than $180,000 from about 1,300 donors.

Nky McGinnis, director of the annual campaign, credits the university community for stepping up during an unprecedented time of need. “I was inspired and grateful to everyone in our TU community who listened to the needs of our students, faculty and staff,” McGinnis says. “This campaign
truly allows everyone in our community to make a difference in the lives of people at TU and beyond.”

Looking to build momentum from the previous two efforts, each of which generated more than $100,000, the focus of this year’s campaign is to raise funds for a variety of needs on campus, including scholarships, colleges, community groups, athletics and the library. The event remains a 24-hour campaign, with special challenges and matching gift opportunities playing a larger role to spur the community to support the causes that matter to them.

“Each year, we’ve seen TU Big Give outpace our expectations in participation and funds raised,” McGinnis says. “Our university’s culture of philanthropy is only growing stronger.”