Fresno State’s ninth Day of Giving reached a new high on March 18, with preliminary final results totaling $803,173, a 31% increase over the previous record of $611,173 for 2025 Day of Giving.
“The collective support for Fresno State continues to grow in powerful and inspiring ways,” said Brady Crook, vice president for University Advancement at Fresno State. “I am deeply grateful to our philanthropic partners who have made this year’s Day of Giving a tremendous success — alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends throughout the Valley, across the country and around the world who are advancing our Lead with Pride campaign. Your generosity fuels the programs and opportunities that define our students’ futures and Fresno State’s impact.”
Day of Giving, the 24-hour online fundraising campaign, started at midnight Wednesday, March 18, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. The fundraising effort encouraged philanthropic partners and individuals to make a gift to one of Fresno State’s eight schools and colleges, athletics or the campus divisions or programs of their choice. The day has always been about engagement and giving at every level, centering on every gift matters.
There were 18 giving areas, representing dozens of initiatives. Philanthropic partners could also select “other” and type in the area of their choice. Donations directly benefit students with scholarships, internships, research, improved learning spaces and more.
A live leaderboard tracked the number of gifts and generosity committed throughout the day, providing real-time updates on the campaign’s website. A heat map of all 50 states and around the world showed where donations came in from — representing 44 states and 13 countries.
In its second year, the Fresno State Day of Giving Roadshow visited five businesses to share Bulldog spirit, amplify pride, inspire giving and celebrate employers’ support of Fresno State. Those businesses included Archer & Hound Advertising, California Teaching Fellows, Johanson Transportation Services, Net Positive Consulting Engineers and United Health Centers.
Fresno State’s Day of Giving began in 2017 as part of a growing national trend for dedicated giving days that have become popular at universities across the nation. It was held again this year during “I Heart Fresno State Week,” a week of events and activities that celebrates what makes Fresno State special. Since it began, Day of Giving has raised more than $4.7 million to support student success.
