Giving Day Student Giving
What is SMU Giving Day?
SMU Giving Day is the University’s one-day giving challenge – a fundraising initiative that seeks to drive support for every area of the University and yield as many donations as possible within a 24-hour period. The day features 200+ organizations and causes that alumni, parents, faculty, staff and current students come together to support and maximize impact. This is a unique opportunity to raise dedicated funds that directly impact the organizations and groups that you are a part of throughout the following year.
Why should I care about participating in SMU Giving Day?
SMU Giving Day is an opportunity for Mustangs across the world to unite in support of their favorite SMU organizations, causes and initiatives. These are causes that impact the work you do as world changers – you can even submit your own fund for consideration. Special donors called “Mustang Matchers” have allocated additional donations to further incentivize donors on SMU Giving Day. These challenges and matches give your organization opportunities to raise even more funds. This is an excellent way to receive additional funds for your organizations to keep up the amazing work you are doing!Is your organization changing the world? Are you working on a project that could benefit from additional funds? Leverage Giving Day by taking advantage of this unique opportunity to obtain additional funding for your organization. The deadline to submit a funding proposal is February 14. Learn more about submitting your funding proposal.
Champions are the secret weapon to securing more support for an organization’s causes. They serve as advocates, encouraging their network to donate to the cause or causes that matter most to them. Participating champions are eligible to win exciting prizes and take part in exclusive challenges and competitions throughout the day. Sample social media posts, phone scripts, example email and text messages, and customizable graphics make spreading the word about SMU’s Giving Day causes easy and fun! Sign up to become a champion.
Show your Mustang pride by paying it forward with a gift. It’s not about how big the gift is; it’s about the power of the collective. The most common gifts on Giving Day 2023 were $10 and $20, and they accounted for more than half of the number of gifts received that day. Pony Up and make a gift.
Follow @SMUDallas and @SMUAlumniNetwork on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on Giving Day festivities, challenges and more! We’d love to see your Giving Day posts – be sure to tag us and use #SMUOneDay when sharing the post.
Peruna Power Up Challenge
What is the Peruna Power Up Challenge?
The Peruna Power Up Challenge gives student organizations an opportunity to unlock up to $75K in matching funds for their featured cause on SMU Giving Day. Participating organizations will compete against each other between 11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 during a Giving Day extravaganza hosted on Dallas Hall Lawn. Student organizations will table and encourage their fellow classmates to drop by the Peruna Power Up Challenge tent to cast a vote for their favorite cause – the organization with the most votes wins additional prizes.
Event Details
Peruna Power Up Challenge for SMU Giving Day
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dallas Hall Lawn
Drop by Dallas Hall Lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to cast your vote for your favorite student organizations. Festivities will include an appearance by Peruna, swag items, food, raffle prizes and a live DJ.
Who is competing?
More than 50 organizations with featured causes for Giving Day will participate. Participating organizations are divided into five categories by size.
Greek organizations: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Student organizations: 12:45-2 p.m.
What are organizations competing for?
The top three organizations to secure the most votes will receive additional matching funds for their organization in the following amounts:
First place: $3,000
Second place: $2,000
Third place: $1,000
All participating organizations will earn $200 for entering the Peruna Power Up Challenge.
Voting 101: How do I earn votes?
Drop by the Peruna Power Up Challenge tent on Dallas Hall Lawn between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 and complete one or more of the following activities:
| Action | Voting Tokens Earned |
| Make a gift to any featured SMU Giving Day fund | 25 |
| Sign five cards thanking alumni donors | 10 |
| Post a pic on social media with #SMUOneDay and tag @SMUDallas and @SMUAlumniNetwork | 5 |
Voting tokens will be distributed in increments of five so participants can designate votes to more than one organization if they choose.
Questions? Contact Amy Felknor at afelknor@smu.edu or 214-768-1973.