Support what you love about UM-Flint during Giving Blueday 2025

The University of Michigan-Flint community came out in full force during Giving Blueday 2024, with a record-breaking 459 donors contributing to the campus during the annual day of giving. These selfless donors supported UM-Flint students in every aspect of their education, from emergency funds for learners in need to funding student-led research projects and off-campus experiences.

UM-Flint is doubling down on personalized giving opportunities during Giving Blueday 2025, which occurs March 19. Featuring more student organizations than ever before and the newly introduced Chancellor's Fund for Environment & Sustainability and Staff Council Gift Fund, this year's Giving Blueday will allow UM-Flint donors an unprecedented level of choice when giving to the institution they love.

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 can give to the programs and causes that are most important to them. While the university has several in-person events planned, the largely online nature of Giving Blueday allows the U-M community to join in its support no matter where donors may be.

A customized menu for giving

Donors can choose from 53 unique funds and projects when making gifts on March 19. Each of these funds reflects the innovative work happening at UM-Flint and the diversity of campus opportunities. Just a few of these giving areas include:

Twelve student organizations, ranging from the Black Student Union to Women's Club Volleyball.
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.
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.
The Chancellor's Fund for Environment & Sustainability. Gifts to this fund will assist the Sustainability Committee in achieving campus carbon neutrality. The committee has already made numerous strides toward a sustainable future, including earning $500,000 in energy rebates through energy conservation implementation and assisting in moving the university's electricity to 100% renewable sources by 2026.

A student holding up stickers in front of her face while standing outside. One is a cartoon globe mascot that says "Every day is Earth Day," while the other is a frog that says "Don't frog-et to recycle." — Gifts to the Chancellor's Fund for Environment & Sustainability will support events like the Eco Extravaganza, which allows campus to celebrate the Planet Blue Ambassadors program and learn more about sustainability organizations and opportunities on campus.

In addition to these universitywide initiatives, the number of departmental funds from schools and colleges has also increased this year, "which broadens our impact and donors' freedom to choose what they support," said Toni Salmi, UM-Flint annual giving officer.

"UM-Flint students often highlight the combination of close-knit community and big opportunities as the hallmarks of their UM-Flint experience. We aim to mirror this with our approach to Giving Blueday in 2025," Salmi said. "Expanding the available gift areas from our five schools and colleges offers our community a personalized opportunity to support what was most impactful for them when they were students, or simply to advance what they are passionate about in education today."

Duct-taping Chancellor Alexander to a wall?

Salmi also shared that at 12:30 p.m., March 19, Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander has agreed to get into the Giving Blueday spirit by being duct-taped to the wall in the Harding Mott University Center lobby.

"Each donation made between midnight and 12:30 equals one piece of duct tape. We need at least 150 donations to ensure he stays up (on the wall)," Salmi said.

The sticky situation will be livestreamed on the Alumni Relations Instagram page.

GiveBlue+2

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 donors through their personal giving link will receive a limited edition, branded U-M ballcap as a "thank you" for their volunteer efforts.

A U-M branded ballcap sitting on a windowsill inside Michigan stadium.

How to participate

Visit the Giving Blueday page March 19 to see all the funds available this year and to make your gift.

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.