Franklin College will host its twelfth annual Day of Giving Challenge, #GivetoGRIZ, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

The money raised will support the Franklin Fund, which gives the college the opportunity to direct funds to parts of the budget that call for critical, immediate support. Donors may also choose to direct their gifts to a specific area of the college, such as student scholarships and financial support, engaged learning, diversity, equity and inclusion or faculty and programmatic support.

“All gifts have a significant impact because they allow us to match our ambitions with our goals, and our goals with resources for our students,” said Nora Brems, interim vice president for institutional advancement. “GivetoGRIZ provides us with a unique opportunity to create a day filled with exciting events. It’s going to be a fun day to be a GRIZ.”

The goal is to raise $250,000 to support the college’s highest priorities through the Franklin Fund, with at least 1,000 donors making a gift on April 10.

Those wishing to give during #GivetoGRIZ will find the URL to do so via the college’s website, www.FranklinCollege.edu, and social media platforms during the 24-hour fundraising event.

The college is planning to use social media, especially Facebook, X and Instagram, to market this 24-hour fundraising effort, as well as email and other college communication formats. Alumni who are planning to host a gathering are encouraged to register their event with Jill Bode, director of annual giving and stewardship, at jbode@FranklinCollege.edu so they can receive Grizzly swag and support.

The day’s events include:

• 10:30-11 a.m. – World Record Attempt: Join us outside the Napolitan Student Center on Dame Mall or on Zoom as we attempt to break the world record for the most people running simultaneously online for five minutes, either in place, on a treadmill or on a path of your own choosing.
• 11 a.m. – Noon – Grizzlies Glazing Bowls on the Run: Participants will decorate bowls using the maiolica glazing technique: underglaze color brushed onto the surface of an unfired white glaze (the underglaze and white glaze fuse together when fired). The finished bowls will be used to support the Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County “Soup Bowl” fundraising event in February of 2025.
• Noon – 1 p.m. – Pulliam School of Journalism Virtual Luncheon: Franklin College alumni are invited to enjoy lunch with current and former Pulliam School of Journalism faculty on Zoom hosted by John Krull.
• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. – FC Mercado-Spanish Language Market with Livestream: The public is invited to attend this on-campus event or chat with Professor Colburn-Alsop on the Modern Language Facebook Livestream. The FC Mercado is an opportunity to practice Spanish language skills in a fun interactive and social atmosphere. This event will be held in Branigin Room East of the Napolitan Student Center. The Latinx Student Association will be assisting with making beaded bracelets.
• 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Primetime Video Release: The release of the #GivetoGRIZ video via Zoom.

 Registration for each event is available at alumni.franklincollege.edu/events. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day to donors.

The one-day giving challenge began in 2013 with a successful effort, earning the Division of Institutional Advancement a Silver Award in their district from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Each year the college has met and exceeded its goal. Last year was the most successful #GivetoGRIZ to date for the college, raising $308,584 from 1,157 donors.

Those having questions about the one-day challenge or sponsorship opportunities may contact Lee Ann Jourdan, assistant vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving, by phone at (317) 738-8755 or email at ljourdan@FranklinCollege.edu.

POSTED Mar 13, 2024