One Day for DU to Take Place May 24
This year's crowdfunding effort includes an attempt to break a Guinness World Record
For the third consecutive year, the University of Denver will host One Day for DU, a 24-hour crowdfunding initiative in which students, faculty, alumni, parents and other supporters of DU can make contributions to various projects. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24.
This year, the University’s goal is to raise at least $200,000 through 2,000 or more contributions. Donors will have 28 projects to choose from. Projects include clubs, internships, grants, scholarships, programs, partnerships and more. Some of the projects include matching or challenging donor opportunities.
Lisa Feldman, executive director of annual and leadership giving, says One Day for DU promotes engagement, philanthropy and excitement. It also enhances the student experience and helps create pathways to individual success.
“The purpose [of One Day] is to highlight the power of philanthropy and the opportunity to make a difference when people identify their passion to support projects or causes that are the most meaningful to them,” Feldman says. “DU addresses the most pressing needs of our society, so it’s gratifying to know that our alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff can personally influence the research and problem-solving needed at a highly intellectual level to impact our world.”
Approved crowdfunding projects for One Day for DU are aligned with the University’s strategic plan, DU IMPACT 2025. Also considered are the broad interest of the projects, the impact they can have, and whether they are highly meaningful but lack the visibility necessary to raise funds.
“There will be six unique giving challenges to maximize the impact of every gift, regardless of amount, through the power of collective impact,” says Mike Garvey, annual giving program manager. These include alumni, student and parent challenge competitions and matching gift opportunities. “One project in particular, Fostering Healthy Futures — a program within the Graduate School of Social Work that helps support teens who’ve experienced adversity in the home or within the child welfare system — is a good example of how DU helps build bright futures for all,” Garvey says.
Last year, the University raised more than $140,000 through 1,352 contributions. DU already has secured more than $61,000 through matching and challenge commitments toward this year’s goal. Contributions can be made directly at the One Day for DU website, and crowdfunding projects will be revealed the day of the initiative.
With each gift made to One Day for DU, a pinwheel will be planted on Carnegie Green. The University is hoping to break the Guinness World Record for the largest display of toy windmills/pinwheels. Challenging and matching gift opportunities are still being finalized, but additional details will be posted at du.edu/oneday/.
A number of other activities will take place during the day, including a breakfast for graduating seniors as part of the Senior Class Campaign; a student area with a DJ, food and games; and a concert from noon to 1 p.m. on Carnegie Green featuring the Lamont Wind Ensemble.