More than 4,000 Bulldogs – alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends – united to raise over $2 million during the University of Georgia’s third annual Giving Week.
Throughout the campaign—which began on G-Day, April 17, and ran through April 24—Coach Kirby Smart called all Dawgs to participate. “Mary Beth and I believe it’s important to give back to your alma mater,” Smart said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how private support can change a life, and I believe it’s important for all Bulldogs to support the University of Georgia.”
Bulldog Nation answered the call during Giving Week. Alumni and friends from 120 Georgia counties, 50 states and nine countries made gifts to support various areas of campus, including all 17 schools and colleges.
Most donors supported unrestricted funds such as the Georgia Fund. These flexible funds enable schools and colleges to address their most pressing needs. For instance, such resources enable the Veterinary Teaching Hospital to prepare for difficult surgeries by funding the creation of 3D printed bones and images from CT scans of patients; send journalism students to New York City for networking and internships; provide compasses to all forestry students; and stock self-care and hygiene supplies for students in need.
Donors unlocked more than $145,000 in matching funds from the UGA Foundation. More than 250 donors contributed to diversity, equity and inclusion funds, which unlocked $15,000 for the Black alumni scholarship. A total of 443 young alumni – graduates since 2011 – and 893 new donors had their gifts matched.
“Giving Week is about the power of collective giving. Every gift matters, and what’s really important is showing up,” Kelly Kerner, vice president for development and alumni relations, said. “After a difficult year, our alumni and friends have stepped up and truly demonstrated their commitment.”
If alumni and friends missed Georgia Giving Week, they can still make a difference with their gifts. To learn more about giving to the University of Georgia, visit give.uga.edu.
