UM-Flint to celebrate 10 years of giving with Giving Blueday 2024

The generosity of the University of Michigan-Flint community was on full display during Giving Blueday 2023, with 422 donors contributing more than $340,000 to UM-Flint during the annual day of giving. Donors chose a wide range of campus initiatives to support. Declan Lugin, associate director of university security services at the Ann Arbor campus, made gifts to UM-Flint's golf club and the School of Nursing Emergency Fund. 

He believes UM-Flint is critical to both the success of the region and its diverse student population. 

"As a first-generation student myself, I recognize that UM-Flint often represents an accessible pathway to higher learning for so many young scholars," he said. "I am hopeful that my small contribution in some way helps UM-Flint to fulfill its unique and vital mission."

Selfless donors like Lugin helped UM-Flint place second in total donations among all units across the three campuses during last year's event. UM-Flint aims to unite 500 donors in their passion for the university, March 13, during Giving Blueday 2024.

What is Giving Blueday?

Giving Blueday is the University of Michigan's 24-hour day of giving. Throughout the day, members and supporters of all three U-M campuses have the opportunity to give to the programs and causes that are most important to them. Giving Blueday largely takes place online, allowing the U-M community to join in its support no matter where in the world donors may be. 

A decade of impact

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Giving Blueday. During the first event in 2014, UM-Flint supporters created what was then the largest one-day online fundraising effort in the university's history, with more than $15,000 in gifts. 

Though the scale of the day has grown significantly since then, "the steadfast support of student success has been a constant," said Shari Schrader, vice chancellor for advancement. 

"Every gift, no matter how big or small, contributes to enriching the student experience and makes a difference for UM-Flint learners. I believe the growth of contributions during Giving Blueday can be attributed to the meaningful, concrete outcomes that arise as a result of these gifts," Schrader said. "Our generous donors can see their dollars being put to work creating transformational opportunities for the next generation of Leaders & Best." 

Personalized giving options

Donors can choose from 25 unique funds and projects when making gifts on March 13. Each of these funds reflects the innovative work happening at UM-Flint and the diversity of opportunities the campus offers. Just a few of these giving areas include:

• The Marian E. Wright Writing Center. Since 1971, the Writing Center has worked to inspire students to become the best writers they can be, offering a friendly, affirming space for students to receive help with academic writing, resumes, cover letters, personal statements and graduate school and job applications. That legacy will be amplified in 2024, as a donor is matching all contributions to the Writing Center fund this Giving Blueday. 
• The Student Veterans Resource Center. The tireless efforts of SVRC staff and volunteers have earned UM-Flint a "Gold-level veteran-friendly school" designation by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for a ninth consecutive year. Gifts to the SVRC will allow it to expand and strengthen the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education program on campus, which connects student veterans with peers who can help them navigate college life. 
• Wolverine Essentials. Started by students in 2019 as the Wolverine Food Den, this campus resource responds to a study conducted by social work students in which 38% of learners reported a deficiency in their basic food needs. In 2022, the food den was renamed Wolverine Essentials and expanded to offer other basics like laundry detergent, menstrual products and toilet paper. Gifts to Wolverine Essentials help students focus on their academic success, not life necessities. 

UM-Flint to again partner with local coffee shops

A special partnership between the university and downtown Flint coffee shops will continue this Giving Blueday. The sleeve on your morning caffeine fix will include a QR code to give, with each coffee shop promoting the UM-Flint cause of their choice.

Participating locations include Cafe Rhema, Hoffman's Deli, Penny's Cafe,  and coffee locations in the UCEN and University Pavilion, with more being added daily. 

GiveBlue+2

Looking to step up your involvement with Giving Blueday? The GiveBlue+2 program is your chance to bring others along in your commitment to UM-Flint while earning some exclusive swag. 

Everyone who receives gifts from at least three different donors through their personal giving link will receive a limited edition, branded U-M beanie as a "thank you" for their volunteer efforts and will have their name entered into a drawing for the chance to designate $1,000 to the cause of their choice. Three donor champions will be selected in the drawing. In addition, the champion that receives gifts from the most donors through their personal link will earn $2,000 for the cause of their choice at U-M. 

How to participate

Visit UM-Flint's Giving Blueday page to see all the funds available this year and to make your gift, March 13. 

To learn more about how you can support UM-Flint through gifts and volunteer opportunities, visit the University Advancement webpage or call (810) 424-5448.