Bicentennial Day of Giving surpasses participation goal, raises more than $2 million in support
Fundraising mark met through challenges and strong peer-to-peer crowdfunding
The Case Western Reserve University community came together in a show of generosity during the university’s Bicentennial Day of Giving, surpassing participation goals set for the event.
When final results were confirmed, 2,925 donors—exceeding the goal of 2,600—contributed a total of $2,011,335.74 during the event held Tuesday, April 14. The total marks one of the most successful Days of Giving in the university’s history and underscores the collective impact of students, alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends rallying in support of CWRU during its bicentennial year.
Each year, Day of Giving unites the university’s schools and college, athletic teams, student organizations and affinity groups in a campaign-style, online fundraising effort designed to amplify participation and celebrate generosity across campus.
“Day of Giving is about more than the dollars raised—it’s about showing what’s possible when our community comes together with a shared sense of purpose,” said Madeline Wallace, executive director of annual giving. “During our bicentennial year, it’s especially meaningful to see so many people raise their hands in support of the students, programs and experiences that define Case Western Reserve.”
Matches and challenges played a significant role in rallying participation throughout the day. Highlights included:
- A $17,000 match for softball offered by alumna Allison Lansell (CWR ‘09) and current parents Mike and Joyce Ching, unlocking more than $34,000 of total support;
- A $25,000 challenge from Weatherhead School of Management Dean Andrew Medvedev (CWR ‘97), was awarded after the school reached their match goal. The school led all others with over 350 donors;
- A $50,000 challenge from an anonymous CWRU family was unlocked after 50 donors made a gift to support either the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship or the College of Arts and Sciences/Case School of Engineering Shared Scholarship.
Athletics once again generated strong online engagement across the CWRU community with cross country leading the way with 195 online donors. The football and softball teams finished second and third respectively in total donors with softball raising $41,372 in gifts and matches from 76 donors and football raising $21,153 in gifts and matches from 138 donors.
Advocacy played an important role in this year’s success, with peer-to-peer outreach resulting in 299 advocated gifts—a 147% increase from last year—with advocates influencing more than 15% of online giving.
