Typically at Georgia State, students and faculty members celebrate philanthropy on the one day that it is recognized, National Philanthropy Day. This year there will be an entire week dedicated to philanthropy, with each day focusing on something new.
Development Coordinator Amanda Watkins and Associate Director from the Office of Annual Programs Kim Lane collaborated ideas decided that a week-long event would make more of an impact on students.
For the challenge grants, there will be six leadership donors who have agreed to give various amounts and will be matching each college fund. The lowest amount given is $1000.
“We don’t have one for every single school, but we do have these leadership donors who are going to say, for example, if we get 25 donors to the College of Business, then this person is going to give an additional $1000,” Lane said.
Many students do not realize that other than the HOPE Scholarship, every scholarship is supported through private support coming from a variety of donors. This is partially what the money is being raised for during this week.
Donors have the option to give money wherever they see fit, whether it be the athletic department, study abroad department, a scholarship or any other Georgia State student resource.
“I think that’s really awesome because the donors can choose where their money goes,” said Watkins.
Since Amanda is a Georgia State alum and a product of the anthropology department, she will be donating her gift there.
To capture the student’s enthusiasm for this week, a video will be made of students either saying “thank you” or answering a question about philanthropy.
“We just really want to capture students who are grateful to donors, to show their appreciation to people who are giving back to enhance their education today,” Lane said.
Monday, Nov. 11: Awareness Day
This day is dedicated to informing students on how philanthropy impacts them. Flyers will be passed out to educate students as they walk to class.
Tuesday, Nov. 12: Volunteer Day
Students can share their volunteer experiences on social media by using the hashtag #GSUGives.
“We are encouraging students to talk about their volunteer experiences, that way we can use those testimonials in the future to inspire others to give back,” Watkins said.
Wednesday, Nov. 13: Appreciation Day
In the Unity Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students have the chance to show their appreciation. Whether it is an inspiring professor or they are grateful for a study abroad opportunity, they can sign their name on a post card to say thank you. There will also be a video in which students can participate by answering questions and making shout outs to donors.
Thursday, Nov. 14: Online Giving Day
This day will challenge all students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff to give just a little in order to impact Georgia State as a whole. It does not have to be a large amount; anything helps.
National Philanthropy Week Facts:
– Tuition only covers about a third of the total cost of attendance.
– Nearly 90 percent of Georgia State students qualify for financial aid.
– For the 2012-2013 academic school year, more than 1,700 students received Panther Retention Grants.
– 63 percent of undergraduates have unmet financial needs.
– Private support can help satisfy the average unmet need, which is $5,785 per student.
– Donors contributed almost $25,000 to university-wide scholarships in FY13.
– Last year, Annual Programs raised over $18,00 cash-in for university-wide scholarships.
