On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Barnard community came together for Giving Day with one shared goal — to raise money for the Barnard Annual Fund. Donors gave more than $1.47 million in 24 hours, ensuring future generations of women can have access to a high-quality Barnard education.
Funds raised through Giving Day will be directed to where they are needed most – from student scholarships, academic programs, faculty research, campus space improvements, and career growth opportunities for students. Funds will also go toward ensuring students receive financial support needed to make their dream of a Barnard education a reality, regardless of their financial situation.
“We believe it's important to stand behind institutions that inspire young women's minds, and nurture the next generation of thinkers and leaders,” said Candace Hickey ’00, P’28. “Our hope is that our giving can be a small spark — something that helps build connection, unity and a shared sense of purpose that lifts the entire Barnard community.”
Supporters participated in numerous ways — becoming class agents, boosting visibility on social media, and more.
And for the second year in a row, students and faculty could send each other Flowergrams on campus — a fun and heartfelt new Giving Day tradition.
But regardless of the how, what matters is the why.
“Giving Day is a great opportunity to make your annual gift count more and to make a more meaningful impact,” said Andrea Donahue '92, P'25. “I am grateful for the outstanding education I received and for the many opportunities it has given me and, more recently, my daughter, who is a member of the Barnard Class of 2025.”
These donations are essential for three main components: to enable the College to meet critical needs in real time, to alleviate student debt and increase scholarships, and to cultivate overall well-being — physical, mental, and financial — amongst students.
Over the course of 24 hours, devoted Barnard students, alumnae, parents, and friends took part in donation challenges and activities to help the College reach $1 million before midnight.
For the unlocked challenge, Barnard College finished in second place behind Columbia Athletics, earning a total of $5,500.
The Barnard Trustees also committed over $200,000 if $1 million was raised — a milestone achieved thanks to the dedication and generosity of Barnard’s supporters.
While offline donations and mailed-in contributions will continue to be counted in the days after Giving Day, Barnard’s total currently stands at $1,471,474 dollars from 1,180 total gifts. The Class of 1994 raised the most donations at $82,675, while the Class of 1969 raised the most gifts at 54.
“Giving Day reminds us of the power of the Barnard community and our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of bold, curious women,” said Hillary Strong, vice president for Advancement. “Every gift helps ensure that Barnard continues to provide an unparalleled education and experience.”
Those who couldn’t attend the event in person joined in the celebration from afar, including at a lively Giving Day party amongst Barnard supporters in San Francisco.
Barnard extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make Giving Day 2025 a success — their donations and support is what enables Barnard students to continue forging bright futures, as they grow into the next generation of women leaders.