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UMD’s Giving Tuesday Initiative Surges to Nearly $300K

By Maryland Today Staff

The University of Maryland raised nearly $300,000 for projects across campus during this year’s Giving Tuesday, a global philanthropy movement held annually after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Between the university’s Launch UMD site and its giving page, the fundraising event brought in $290,991 from 1,774 donors—with both totals far surpassing last year’s, when 1,030 donors contributed about $200,000. As in 2020, the giving window was extended through Wednesday, making it easier for supporters around the world to contribute, said Jennie Culotta, director of annual giving. This year’s efforts resulted in gifts from 42 states and 10 countries.

Among those totals were 274 donors giving $10,610 to eight student-led projects, which were competing in a new student challenge. All the student groups’ fundraising projects will remain open for an additional 30 days.

Overall, UMD’s projects across three main categories saw significant support, Culotta said: diversity and emergency funds, scholarships and research, and greatest needs. Money raised will go toward causes like the Campus Pantry, Student Crisis Fund and Alumni Association.

“We are all completely blown away by this display of support,” Culotta said. “It’s just heartwarming. When you see a Terp in need, a Terp helps.”

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