What is Day of Giving?

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

Day of Giving is:
  • a focused annual giving fundraising campaign with a clear time frame.
  • 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.
  • a way to engage alumni and friends who might not be ready to give a major gift.
  • fueled by direct marketing, mass-marketing, and peer-to-peer outreach.
  • driven by challenges and matching gifts that create urgency and energy.
Day of Giving is not:
  • a major gift campaign – it's not the right time to solicit gifts for fundraising initiatives of $25,000 or more.
  • a one-size-fits-all fundraising effort – each college or unit should tailor its appeal.
  • an opportunity to showcase employees – for the best chance at compelling donors to give, students should be the focal point whenever possible.
  • a generic ask – it should be tied to a tangible, relatable, time-specific cause.

Day of Giving
​Tool Kit

Additional resources, including a brand guide, website link, social content, and communication schedules for Day of Giving will be placed here as the event nears.

Have Questions?

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

How does my department participate in Day of Giving?

The registration period has ended for Day of Giving 2026.

  1. By November 21: Share the supporting information the Foundation has requested (photographs, details about your fundraising need), so we can prepare your campaign materials.
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  2. In January and early February of 2026: Coordinate with the Foundation to prepare participating Peer to Peer fundraisers for the event.

  3. On February 26, 2026, spread the word! Share your Day of Giving campaign information via email, social media channels, and in person with your friends and family and encourage them to give. Join special events in the Falcon Center on Day of Giving.

Have questions about the processes listed above?

The Foundation is here to help make the most of your Day of Giving experience.

What is a giving area?

A Giving Area is your unit’s focus for your fundraising efforts. The more detailed, student-focused, and specific, the better. Think about your budget, timeline, purpose, number of students served, and desired outcomes.

Examples include:
  • $3,000 for a pair of new microscopes for the biology lab.

  • $500 for a new set of quads and a harness for the marching band drumline.

  • $4,500 to cover travel expenses for an upcoming trip for eight students and two faculty members to an education conference.

  • $2,500 for eight new easels for the painting and drawing studio.

  • $1,500 for a community health initiative hosted by the College of Nursing.
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  • $5,000 for the College of Business and Aviation to plan and host an etiquette dinner for juniors and seniors as they prepare to complete their degrees and join the workforce.

What are matches and challenges?

Matches and challenges harness the generosity of one donor to encourage others to give, expanding the fundraising benefit and engaging alumni and friends to support the cause. Foundation staff will identify and secure these opportunities.

Examples:
  • Dollar-for-Dollar Match: Jim and Jane Doe will match gifts up to $5,000 for the College of Science & Technology.

  • Challenge Gift: When 50 donors give to Women’s Basketball, ABC Corporation will unlock a $1,000 gift.
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  • Milestone Bonus: Be the 100th donor, and the area you supported receives an extra $500 from alumna Mary Jones, ’76.

What happens after Day of Giving?

The Foundation team will:
  • distribute thank-you messages via postal mail and email to Day of Giving donors in the weeks following the event. We’ll talk with you about how you want to thank your donors to make this process as efficient as possible.

  • compile and analyze data on Day of Giving unit fundraising and provide participating departments a report of total dollars raised.
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  • write feature stories about the most successful campaigns to highlight the good work you do and demonstrate the benefits and outcomes of private philanthropy.

Have Questions?

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