ANN ARBOR—Donors to the University of Michigan made gifts totaling $5,541,901 during the third annual Giving Blueday, held on Giving Tuesday, a worldwide day of giving.

More than 7,364 donors gave to Michigan. Most gifts were under $100.

For 24 hours on Nov. 29, 2016, all three university campuses—Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint—encouraged alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, parents and others to support causes important to them by making gifts of all sizes.

The U-M Health System, for instance, raised funds for the Bedside Art program that brings free art project kits to patients, families and visitors at the Health System.

“The U-M is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, thanks, in part, to the support from thousands of generous donors,” said Jerry May, vice president for development. “Because of these donors, our third Giving Blueday was an incredible success. Donors made gifts of all sizes, supporting the areas of the university they were passionate about. These gifts, in the aggregate, significantly impact the university.”

All donors were able to participate in universitywide challenges and received real-time updates throughout the day. Twenty-one social media challenges encouraged donors to post about Giving Blueday on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a chance to earn a $1,000 donation for the cause of their choice at Michigan.

This year, 117 student organizations raised money for programs like Cost Assistance for Resilient Engineers, an organization providing emergency funding to engineering students; the Wolverine Support Network, a student-led peer support program; and Impact Dance, among others.

Donors increased the impact of their gifts by taking advantage of donor-provided matches. Some donors matched gifts to certain schools at the university, including $45,000 to match gifts from students.

All gifts made on Giving Blueday count toward the university’s ongoing $4 billion Victors for Michigan Campaign, which includes a $1 billion goal for student support.

More information:

• Giving Blueday
• Leaders and Best