How does my department participate in Day of Giving?

  1. By September 25: Complete your registration form to declare your interest in participating in Day of Giving 2027. Registrations received by September 25 are subject to final approval by University leadership based on the details of your submission. Participation is not guaranteed.
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  2. By November 13: Share the supporting information we request about your fundraising need so we can prepare campaign marketing materials. We'll provide instructions in late October. Sending your materials after November 13 may disqualify your area from participation.​

  3. On February 25: Use your social media and personal communication channels to share your story, your fundraising initiative, and a link to your unique giving page to help spread the word about Day of Giving. Don't forget to join in the fun in the Falcon Center throughout the day!

Have questions?

Contact the Foundation by email at [email protected]​ or call the Foundation office at 304-534-8786.

What is Day of Giving?

Fairmont State University Day of Giving is an annual 24-hour fundraising campaign that brings together alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends of Fairmont State University.

This campaign is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2027.

Day of Giving is:
  • a focused annual giving fundraising campaign with a clear time frame - 24 hours, February 25.
  • a celebration of campus pride and giving back.
  • an opportunity for colleges and departments to raise money for their own projects.
  • an opportunity for the university to place students and programs in the spotlight and provide clear, tangible examples of the work the university does.
  • fueled by direct marketing, mass marketing, and peer-to-peer outreach.
  • driven by challenges and matching gifts that create urgency and energy.

What is a giving area?

A giving area is your unit’s focus for your fundraising efforts. The more detailed, student-focused, and specific your initiative is, the better your results will be. Think about your budget, timeline, purpose, number of students served, and desired outcomes, and share that information with us.

Examples of successful initiatives include:
  • Lab equipment
    $3,000 for a pair of new microscopes for the biology lab to support hands-on learning and research opportunities.

  • Travel experiences
    $4,500 to cover travel expenses for eight students and two faculty members to attend an education conference, expanding academic and professional exposure.

  • Classroom essentials
    $2,500 for eight new easels for the painting and drawing studio to enhance the learning environment for art students.

  • Community-focused initiatives
    $1,500 for a community health initiative hosted by the College of Nursing to provide meaningful service and real-world experience for students.

  • Extracurricular student enrichment
    $5,000 for the College of Liberal Arts to host an etiquette dinner for juniors and seniors as they prepare to graduate and enter the workforce.

Examples of previously rejected fundraising initiatives include:
  • Faculty or staff professional development or enrichment initiatives
    Day of Giving is designed to focus on enhancing the student experience and supporting student outcomes.

  • Undefined or unclear initiatives
    Donors are most inspired by clear, specific goals. Requests such as “equipment and supplies” or “travel support” are not compelling and do not evoke an emotional response from a prospective donor. Strong proposals include details like specific items, itinerary, estimated costs, timeline, and - most importantly - the impact on students.

  • Programs that are not yet established
    Initiatives should be fully developed and already in operation prior to being included in Day of Giving. This helps ensure donor contributions can make an immediate difference for the students we serve.

  • Capital improvement projects
    Day of Giving is designed to fund student-focused initiatives with immediate impact - not building renovations, construction, infrastructure upgrades, or redecorating efforts.