Thanks to generous alumnae, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the College, Barnard had the second-highest participation rate out of all 19 schools and programs that took part in Giving Day 2015, Columbia University’s annual 24-hour online fund drive.
The College received almost 1,800 gifts—about 500 more than it did last year—totaling over $400,000 in support of financial aid and faculty research.
This year marked the third consecutive year Barnard took part in Giving Day, an effort that has been especially successful for the College. In large part, this is thanks to challenge funds, both from Barnard alumnae and Columbia University, which allow the value of many of the gifts to go even further.
Barnard won several Giving Day challenges totaling $39,000. In addition, Barnard’s Annual Giving Committee donated $25,000 to match gifts from any first-time donor to the College; this includes gifts from students donating to the Senior Fund. An alumna from the Class of 1978 also offered challenge funds for every member of the Senior Fund committee who not only made her own gift, but also successfully encouraged a class member to donate.
Alumnae also gathered to celebrate Giving Day around the country, with special Giving Day gatherings and happy hours taking place in several cities, including Boston, Chicago, Miami, and New York.
“The College thanks everyone who made a gift on Giving Day,” says Amy Leveen, director of Annual Giving. “Because so many members of the community took part and helped us earn the generous challenge grants, we have been able to make the donations go even further in support of our students and faculty.”
