OHIO Giving Day tradition continues April 21

On April 21, Ohio University supporters from around the world will come together to celebrate and strengthen the unique features that make Ohio’s first university its finest — and to write the next chapter in a Bobcat tradition launched in 2019.

Ohio University’s second-ever Giving Day kicks off at midnight on Wednesday, April 21. The 24-hour online campaign invites alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends to support elements of the OHIO community and experiences that are hallmarks of the institution — and vital to its mission and its future.

“The longevity, impact and excellence of Ohio University lie in its community — both as individuals and as a family,” said President M. Duane Nellis. “We witness the power of that community at events like Homecoming, through alumni mentorships with our students, and in times like the past year when Bobcats near and far rallied in support of one another through extraordinary challenges. Giving Day presents the OHIO community with an opportunity to come together to celebrate all that we are and to pave the way for future success.”

More than 1,500 individuals participated in OHIO’s first-ever Giving Day in April 2019, donating more than $443,000 in support of the University. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Giving Day 2020 was replaced with the Bobcats Take Care campaign, through which more than 1,000 individuals contributed over $245,000 to the COVID-19 Ohio University Student Emergency Fund to address the immediate needs of students on the Athens and regional campuses.  

“Our goal for Giving Day 2021 is 1,804 donors, which is a very special number to our community and pays tribute to the year Ohio University was founded,” said Caty Allgood, BA ’06, MA ’13, acting senior director of annual giving. “It’s not about having a lot to give; it’s about joining those who have this shared Ohio University experience in a way that makes that experience possible for others. When a lot of people give a little, it can have a major impact.”

While all donations made to OHIO on Giving Day will count toward the campaign’s total, this year’s event will spotlight three themes and associated funds that speak to the heart of Ohio University and the unique experience it provides:

Ensuring access

Key to Ohio University’s mission is its commitment to student access and affordability, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized groups including first-generation and high-need students. On Giving Day, OHIO will be highlighting scholarship funds in each of the University’s colleges and its regional campuses, all of which are eligible for matching funds, including dollar-for-dollar matches through the Current-Use Scholarship Program. Other giving opportunities that support ensuring access include: 

• Appalachian Scholars General Scholarship 
• Ebony Bobcat Network Urban Scholarship
• Ohio University Endowed Scholarship Fund 
• The Manasseh Cutler Scholars General Scholarship 
• Urban Scholars General Scholarship Fund
• The Fund for OHIO, which supports the area of greatest need at the University

Enhancing experience

The OHIO experience is as much about what occurs inside the classroom as the co-curricular and extracurricular activities offered outside of the traditional learning environment — activities that speak to students’ individual identities and interests, providing them experiential learning opportunities that set them up for success. Giving Day “Enhancing experience” giving opportunities include:

• Funds that support everything from WOUB and The Post to the Esports Club and the Schey Sales Centre
• Funds that support undergraduate and graduate research and creative activity
• LGBT Center Pride Fund
• Marching 110 Student Support 
• Dr. Michael and Mrs. Marilyn Day Study Abroad Award
• Student Emergency Fund
• The Ohio Bobcat Club

Encouraging connection 

Ohio University reaches far beyond its campuses — from the communities it resides in and the state and region that benefit from its economic impact to the OHIO alumni network that makes a difference across the world. Giving Day “Encouraging connection” funds include:

• The Joann B. Stedman International Student Grant Fund
• Kids on Campus
• Performing Arts in Education

The OHIO Giving Day 2021 website (givingday.ohio.edu) will provide donors a chance to explore the themes and funds highlighted on Giving Day. The website will also highlight matches and challenges from OHIO supporters who are generously offering to help Giving Day donors maximize their contributions. Among those supporters are members of The Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees, who are committing funds for a Power Hour, during which donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar for one hour on Giving Day.

“Whether you regularly give to Ohio University or have never given, Giving Day is a once-in-a-year opportunity to join your fellow Bobcats in telling the world what this community and this OHIO experience has meant to you and your life,” said Nico Karagosian, vice president of University Advancement and president and CEO of The Ohio University Foundation. “It’s a chance to help make that possible for future generations and to continue building your OHIO legacy.”

Stay tuned to givingday.ohio.edu and follow @OHIOAlumni on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on Giving Day 2021, and show your support and enthusiasm by sharing your Bobcat pride, photos and forever OHIO memories on social media using #OHIOGivingDay.