One Day for DU Surpasses Fundraising Goal

Campaign raises more than $400,000 in 24 hours

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May 26, 2017

The results are in and the University of Denver’s 24-hour crowdfunding initiative known as One Day for DU is officially a success.

Thanks to approximately 2,200 donors, including DU students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and other supporters, One Day on May 24 raised more than $400,000 — surpassing this year’s goal of 2,000 donors and $200,000. The campaign, now in its third year, is the most successful to date in terms of dollars raised and contributions made. Last year’s campaign raised more than $140,000 from nearly 1,400 contributions.

Chancellor Rebecca Chopp designated $100,000 towards DU’s highest priority, student scholarships — a challenge gift that was unlocked when the goal of 2,000 donors was met.

“I am thrilled with this year’s level of engagement with One Day for DU,” Chopp says. “Access is the primary deterrent for students not attending college. Thanks to our generous community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, we have additional funds to support our great students.”

This year’s campaign featured 28 crowdfunding projects, including clubs, internships, grants, scholarships, programs, partnerships and more. Some projects also included matching or challenging donor opportunities, which maximized the impact of each gift regardless of amount.

Of the 28 projects, the Pioneer Leadership Program’s (PLP) Passport for Leadership Development received the most donations with more than 330. The purpose of PLP is to provide every student in the program with at least $500 to further their leadership development through conferences, internships and community engagement opportunities.

The Intercollegiate Athletics project, which featured all 17 of DU’s varsity teams and the Athletics Excellence Fund, raised the most money — taking in more than $70,000. Fundraising results for all projects and a list of donors can be found at the One Day for DU website.

“What a momentous day for the University of Denver — one in which more than 2,000 alumni, students, faculty and friends demonstrated their support for DU and its future,” said Armin Afsahi, vice chancellor for advancement. “A huge thanks to Chancellor Chopp for her leadership, philanthropy and generous match that undoubtedly motivated hundreds to support our campaign. The outpouring of generosity shows that we are united behind the chancellor’s bold vision for what DU can become and how we, as a University, are committed to making a difference in our community and around the world.”

In addition to the stellar fundraising results, the University was successful in its quest to set a Guinness World Record for the largest display of toy pinwheels/windmills. DU displayed 1,203 pinwheels, beating the previous record of 576. One pinwheel for every donation made to One Day for DU was planted on Carnegie Green.