‘College Giving Day: The College of the Holy Cross’

In a recent article on fundraising campaigns, the Chronicle of Philanthropy discusses how successful challenges are not only reserved for big institutions: “The College of the Holy Cross proved smaller institutions can get it done, too,” the article says. Holy Cross raised $1.9 million in 43 hours during its Give Purple Challenge, the College’s first philanthropy marathon, which took place in February.

According to the article, the key to the College’s success was its focus on boosting donor participation rather than dollar amounts. Holy Cross’ original goal for the challenge was to get 2,500 donors to contribute, but thanks to alumni advocates, televised shout-outs and social media shares, “participation blew the doors off,” the article says.

“The drive wound up with 6,226 donors — 249 percent of the original goal,” reports the Chronicle of Philanthropy. “They gave more than $700,000, triggering an eventual $1.2 million in challenge gifts.’’

Read more from the Chronicle of Philanthropy. (PDF)

This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Jessica Kennedy.