Get ready to #GiveGold Oct. 11

Contact: Jeanne Baron
Photo of a WMU student dressed in her graduation gown and cap with the WMU Giving Day logo laid over a portion of the photo.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Since Western Michigan University's founding in 1903, Broncos have been helping Broncos succeed by donating the time, talent and money necessary to keep WMU strong and growing.

Now, WMU is launching a new giving effort to boost Bronco success. The first Universitywide Giving Day is set for Oct. 11—Western Wednesday of homecoming week. The goal is to encourage 1,903 employees, alumni, retirees, students and friends to make a gift to WMU in the 24-hour period between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

A matching fund has been established that challenges various categories of donors to take part in a friendly competition that increases the impact of their giving. Called Golden Opportunities, these challenges award $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000 bonus dollars to the winners to donate back to their WMU units or other WMU areas of choice.

Faculty and staff members are encouraged to get involved to help raise funds for their academic or administrative units. Spread the word via social media using #WMUGivingDay and #GiveGold.

The day is replacing the Broncos4Broncos campus campaign that the Office of Development and Alumni Relations has been running the past few years.

Ways to participate

There are a number of ways to get involved to help the University make its goal Oct. 11, all of which are detailed at givingday.mywmu.com.

  • Make a gift and share why using #GiveGold.
  • Text GIVEGOLD to 71777 to make a one-time donation to any unit or program at WMU.
  • Sign up to be an individual fundraiser or to join or start a team. Use the Champions and Toolkit webpages to learn about maximizing fundraising efforts. The toolkit password can be requested by emailing c.vandermaas@wmich.edu.
  • Encourage people in your network of Broncos to give back. Use the Get Social page to share content with them and help spread the word about Giving Day.

Video of WMU Giving Day 2017

For more information, including challenge guidelines and a detailed FAQ page, visit givingday.mywmu.com.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.