Preliminary final results for Fresno State’s March 26 Day of Giving show that community support for the Central Valley’s flagship institution reached a new all-time high, with gifts totaling $611,174, a 29.63% increase over the last Day of Giving in November 2023, and surpassing the previous record of $550,366 in 2019.
“We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Day of Giving has set a new record, thanks to the incredible generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends,” said Brady Crook, vice president for University Advancement. “Your support fuels the programs and initiatives that educate and empower our students, equipping them for success in their careers and the impact they will have on their communities. This milestone is a testament to the strength and commitment of our university that starts here in the Valley and spreads far and wide across the globe. We are deeply grateful for every gift that makes a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Thank you!”
The purpose of Day of Giving has always been about engagement and giving at every level, centering on every gift matters. This year also focused on engaging new philanthropic partners to join the greater Fresno State community to show collective impact. This effort was extensive, including being fueled by the new Fresno State Day of Giving Roadshow. Throughout the day, the Roadshow visited five ardent Fresno State supporting businesses; including Moss Adams, Noble Credit Union, Pearson Realty, Precision Civil Engineering and Starbucks at Campus Pointe.
The eighth annual Day of Giving took place for 24 hours on Wednesday, March 26 — from midnight through 11:59 p.m. The online fundraising campaign encouraged philanthropic partners to make a gift to one of Fresno State’s eight schools and colleges, athletics or the campus division or program of their choice.
There were 19 giving areas, representing dozens of initiatives, to support. Philanthropic partners could also select “other” and type in the area of their choice. Donations directly benefit students with scholarships, internships, research, improved learning spaces and more.
A live leaderboard tracked the number of gifts and generosity committed throughout the day, providing minute-by-minute updates on the campaign’s website. A heat map of all 50 states and around the world showed where donations came in from — representing 44 states and 12 countries, including the first Day of Giving gifts from Vermont and Rhode Island ever.
Previously held in the fall, moving it to the spring aligned it with best practices for days of giving and “I Heart Fresno State Week,” a week of events and activities that celebrates what makes Fresno State special.
Fresno State’s Day of Giving began in 2017 as part of a growing national trend for dedicated giving days that have become popular at universities across the nation. Since it began, Day of Giving has raised more than $3.9 million.
(Figures updated by University Advancement on April 17, 2025.)
