Record-Breaking Giving Day at CSUSM Raises Over $820K in Campus Donations

On December 2, Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM) celebrated a milestone that will shape the university’s future for years to come. The campus’s Giving Day, part of the national Giving Tuesday movement, surpassed every previous record, raising $828,397 in just 24 hours. This achievement is not only a headline in philanthropy news but also a testament to the power of community, alumni, and student engagement in driving campus donations.

How CSUSM Achieved a New Record in Giving Day

While the headline figure grabs attention, the underlying strategy reveals a blueprint that other institutions can emulate. CSUSM’s success hinged on a multi‑layered approach that combined targeted outreach, generous matching gifts, and a vibrant campus culture that encourages giving.

Key Drivers Behind the Success

• Strategic Matching Campaigns: The university secured $200,000 from the Epstein family, $10,000 from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and $5,000 from North City. In addition, more than $100,000 in individual area frontline matches were announced, ensuring that every dollar donated was amplified.
• Ambassador Network: 56 ambassadors mobilized 329 gifts, demonstrating the impact of peer‑to‑peer fundraising. Ambassadors leveraged their personal networks, turning casual conversations into concrete contributions.
• Student Participation: 318 gifts came directly from students, a figure that underscores the campus’s culture of philanthropy. Students were encouraged to give through a dedicated portal and were rewarded with recognition on the university’s social media channels.
• Alumni Engagement: Nearly one in five gifts originated from alumni, supporting 119 programs, departments, colleges, or scholarships. Alumni outreach included personalized emails, alumni events, and a “give back” campaign that highlighted the impact of past donors.

The Role of Alumni and Student Engagement

Alumni and students are the lifeblood of CSUSM’s fundraising efforts. The university’s alumni association organized a series of virtual town halls where former students shared stories of how their education at CSUSM shaped their careers. These narratives resonated with potential donors, creating an emotional connection that translated into financial support.

Impact of the $820K on Campus Programs

Every dollar raised contributes to the “Blueprint for the Future,” CSUSM’s largest fundraising campaign to date. The Blueprint focuses on expanding physical infrastructure, enhancing academic programs, and increasing financial aid. The record-breaking Giving Day has accelerated progress in several key areas.

Blueprint for the Future: Funding Priorities

The Blueprint’s priorities include:

• Construction of a new Wellness and Recreation Center to support student health.
• Expansion of the College of Health Sciences, including new labs and research facilities.
• Increased scholarship funds to promote social mobility, a hallmark of CSUSM’s mission.
• Investment in technology upgrades across campus to support hybrid learning environments.

Specific Projects Benefiting from the Donations

With the additional $828,397, CSUSM can advance several high‑impact projects:

• Student Success Center: A dedicated space for tutoring, mentorship, and career counseling.
• Green Campus Initiative: Installation of solar panels and energy‑efficient lighting.
• Faculty Research Grants: Seed funding for interdisciplinary research projects that address local community needs.
• Additional awards for students from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that CSUSM remains a leader in advancing social mobility.

Lessons for Other Institutions and Donors

CSUSM’s record-breaking Giving Day offers valuable insights for universities, nonprofits, and individual donors looking to maximize impact during fundraising events.

Effective Matching Strategies

Matching gifts create a multiplier effect. CSUSM’s approach—combining large institutional matches with smaller, area‑specific matches—ensures that donors feel their contributions are amplified. Institutions should identify potential matchers early and publicize the opportunity widely to encourage participation.

Leveraging Ambassadors and Community Partnerships

Ambassadors serve as trusted voices within their networks. By training ambassadors on storytelling and donation platforms, universities can tap into a broader donor base. Community partnerships, such as the collaboration with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, also broaden the reach and add credibility to the campaign.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you are an alumnus, a current student, a faculty member, or a community supporter, there are several ways to contribute to CSUSM’s continued growth.

Donate Today

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps CSUSM build a stronger future. Donate now and be part of a campus that prioritizes student success and social mobility.

Volunteer and Spread the Word

Volunteer to serve as an ambassador, host a local fundraising event, or share the Giving Day story on social media. Your voice can inspire others to give back to the community that shaped you.

Stay Informed About Future Giving Events

Subscribe to CSUSM’s newsletter to receive updates on upcoming fundraising campaigns, alumni events, and opportunities to support campus initiatives. Sign up here and stay connected.

CSUSM’s record-breaking Giving Day is more than a headline; it is a demonstration of what can be achieved when a community unites around a common purpose. By learning from CSUSM’s strategies—matching gifts, ambassador engagement, and focused impact—other institutions can replicate this success and continue to elevate philanthropy news across the nation.