After Thanksgiving wraps up, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday take hold of many people's time, attention and dollars. However, there is another day of opportunity — one that holds the potential of creating a positive ripple effect originating at UC Merced and extending across the globe.
Give to UC Merced 2023, the university's annual fundraising initiative, officially kicks off on Giving Tuesday — the traditional day of philanthropic support held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. From Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, the entire Bobcat community, as well as communities near and far, are invited to join in support of UC Merced and its campus programs. For the fourth consecutive year, the campaign is being extended from 24 hours to over a month.
All funds raised through Give to UC Merced provide support for undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, research projects, student success programs and much more. UC Merced supporters can give to any fund of their choice, and gifts of all amounts make a difference. Every gift helps the university further its mission of education, research and public service.
"UC Merced's success in helping advance the San Joaquin Valley has been made possible in large part by the bountiful support from our campus community, leaders, partners, family and friends," said Vice Chancellor and Chief External Relations Officer Ed Klotzbier. "During this season of giving, we invite all existing donors and those interested in making their first gift to UC Merced to empower our ability to create change and a better tomorrow for residents across the Valley, California and beyond."
Gifts can be made to any of the following areas:
- UC Merced Annual Fund
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Academics and Research
- Student Success
- Athletics
- Medical Education
- Alumni Initiatives
- University Library
- UC Merced Arts
- Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence
- Climate and Sustainability
This year's goal is to raise $200,000 from 550 unique donors. 2022 was the most successful year in the campaign's history, as more than $952,000 was donated, eclipsing the original goal of $150,000 due in large part to the university's first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Boldly Forward: The Campaign for UC Merced.
For the second year, gifts raised through Give to UC Merced will also impact Boldly Forward. The university community is close to passing the halfway mark of its goal of $200 million by 2030.
Additional information about Give to UC Merced, as well as a link to make a gift, can be found at giveto.ucmerced.edu.
Public Information Officer
