Giving Day

91�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish

Katarina Benson — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:36:42 +0000

91�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish Katarina Benson Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:36

The 91�� community came together in a powerful show of support on April 2, raising a record $2.95 million during the university’s 24-hour Giving Day. More than 1,900 donors made 3,229 gifts to 293 funds across the university, helping expand opportunities for students, strengthen academic programs, and support initiatives that advance George Mason’s mission.

Throughout the day, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends rallied behind the university with enthusiasm and generosity. Among the donors were 864 alumni and 337 faculty and staff members, and 500 donors made their first gift to the university, representing about 25% of all Giving Day participants.

“It was especially meaningful to see so many people choose to support George Mason for the first time,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 91�� Foundation. “Every new donor strengthens this community and expands what we can make possible for our students. When people invest in George Mason, they are investing in opportunity—in the students whose lives are changed here and in the impact they will go on to make in the world.”

That spirit of generosity was reflected across the university, with donors supporting scholarships, athletics, academic programs, and other priorities that directly shape the student experience. The General Scholarship Fund attracted the largest number of faculty and staff donors, followed by the Costello College of Business’ Spirit of ’77 Fund and Basketball Greatness.

George Mason Athletics generated the highest totals for both dollars and donors on Giving Day.

“Giving Day captures the very heart of our athletics community—from our athletes and coaches to the fans who fuel our mission,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Athletics. “The extraordinary growth we see year after year is a testament to the trust our supporters place in us and the deep pride they take in investing in the lives of our student-athletes. We are gratified and humbled by this community’s commitment to our championship culture, ensuring every George Mason athlete has the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.”

Along with Athletics’ standout results, the Costello College of Business and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) also received notable support, in both dollars raised and donor participation. CVPA Dean Rick Davis reflected on the lasting impact of the day. “One of our mottoes, that we return to again and again, is that the arts create community. A gift to Mason Arts is one that develops student talent, enhances creative capabilities, and in turn, enriches our community's experience,” he said.

The momentum of Giving Day adds to George Mason’s historic fundraising campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible, which has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion goal.

“Each gift, no matter the size, helps expand student success, support academic excellence, and create opportunities for George Mason students to learn, lead, and thrive,” said Bowden. “Through Mason Now, that generosity is helping George Mason move forward in ways that will shape the university for years to come.”

Power the Possible. Learn more.

Topics

Campus News

philanthropy

Mason Now: Power the Possible

Athletics

Scholarships

Giving Day

Celebrating Mason’s Fourth Annual Giving Day on Thursday, April 8, 2021

dhawkin — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:21:36 +0000

Celebrating Mason’s Fourth Annual Giving Day on Thursday, April 8, 2021 dhawkin Thu, 03/25/2021 - 10:21

This past year has been a year of hardship, change, and distress for many of our students. Financial crisis has struck many members of our community as a result of the changes in the world, leaving students in need of food and secure housing. However, it has also been a year of resilience, strength, and community. The community at Mason has banded together to challenge the monumental financial distresses facing our students, creating the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Student Emergency Fund to ensure that each student continues to live out their dream of pursuing a health career.

The CHHS Student Emergency Fund provides immediate financial assistance to students who are facing food insecurity, homelessness, medical emergencies, or family emergencies. Our students’ needs continue to evolve since the creation of the fund, and so financial support is also offered to address the obstacles preventing career advancement. To date, the fund has distributed over $70,000 to CHHS students in need, all thanks to the generosity of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends in the community.

The fund has made a visible difference in numerous students’ lives, with one student recipient detailing, “With one semester left to go, I began to experience more financial hardship than ever before and had to consider postponing my last semester.” In fear of having to abandon their pursuit of a health career, the student applied for the fund, and received the assistance they needed. “These funds will allow me to continue to prioritize my education by helping me afford my tuition balance, textbooks, housing, and groceries. This gift will provide a real, tangible difference in my life, and I am forever grateful.”

Join CHHS on Giving Day, Thursday, April 8, as we help CHHS students advance their education and careers. Gifts made to the CHHS Emergency Fund can assist our students in having reliable access to internet in this time of online collaboration or meal plan vouchers in order to purchase groceries. Gifts can also provide necessary items for our students’ career advancement needs, such as covering the cost of transportation to field placements or updated technology for internships.

With your help, we can ensure that every CHHS student is able to continue their pursuit of a health career despite financial emergencies. Make your gift today and support CHHS students in need.