Boston University has always been about community—in fact, “community, big yet small” is one of the five pillars of the University’s strategic plan. But that’s never been clearer than in these extraordinary times, when Terriers everywhere have come together to celebrate and support the communities, big and small, that make up BU.

That’s why the eighth BU Giving Day, happening April 6, 2022, is taking community as its theme. It’s a great opportunity to support the BU community that means the most to you. Here are just three options:

• The BU Kendo Association, founded in 2005, has about 50 members who practice this sword-based martial art three times a week at FitRec. Although those practices involve bamboo swords (a safer stand-in for the real thing), “no one is out to get you,” team captain Kelton Nguyen (ENG’23) recently told BU Today. “Everyone in the kendo community is here to help you get better.” And with your gift to the association through the Student Clubs & Organizations Fund, you can help these students get better, too.
• The Warren Towers Rooftop Mini Garden yielded dozens of vegetables and herbs last summer, after Sidney Hare (CAS’22) launched the project with support from the BU Urban Climate Initiative’s Campus Climate Lab. Hare, an earth & environmental sciences major, is approaching graduation, but the garden will grow on—she’s passing leadership to co-founder Stella Dzialas (CAS’24). You can help make the garden grow—and support a host of other eco-friendly initiatives on campus—with a gift to the Sustainability Annual Fund.
• The BU Professional Clothing Closet provides students with free professional attire that’s appropriate for interviews, networking events, career fairs, and the workplace. This valuable resource in need opened this year and will help students look their best as they pursue the first steps in their career. It’s a joint project of the Boston University Center for Career Development and the Newbury Center, which supports first-generation students. Your gift will help.

You can make a gift to these causes, or any of hundreds more, at bu.edu/givingday. That’s also where you’ll find the leaderboards that track dollars raised, along with challenge gifts that make every dollar go further. All gifts made on April 6 (midnight EDT to midnight PDT) count toward Giving Day 2022.

“The energy that drives Giving Day is remarkable,” says Scott Graham, executive director of Annual Giving. “The event connects BU’s global community by igniting school pride and support around common causes. Every gift has an impact. It’s a thrill to watch the numbers climb as donors give to everything from scientific research to student-athletes to academic programs.”

Breaking records, together

Year after year, the generosity of the BU community on Giving Day breaks records. In 2021, donors made nearly 12,000 gifts, totaling close to $3 million, in support of more than 400 causes and programs. From 2014 through 2021, Giving Day raised some $15 million, thanks to the generosity of more than 48,000 supporters. Special challenges, sponsored by generous alumni, parents, and friends, help boost the totals—and team spirit, too.

Join the conversation!

You can use the hashtags #BUGivingDay and #ProudtoBU on your social posts to join the conversation and check out what others are saying about Giving Day. BU alumni Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter channels are another way to connect with fellow Terriers near and far. Can’t wait for April 6? Get involved today by signing up to be a Giving Day ambassador and download a social media tool kit—then spread the word about why you’re #ProudtoBU.

We look forward to seeing your stories, photos, Instagram stickers, and whatever else you want to share as we count down to Giving Day 2022!

Your giving matters

Your generous support helps keep BU—and all its communities—strong. Every gift, of every size, counts. You can have an impact at BU—and you can choose exactly where to do it.

Current-use funds, which can be given in any amount, can be deployed at a moment’s notice to provide emergency student assistance and financial aid, pursue a research opportunity, expand on BU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and much more.

Not yet a donor? Give now and receive email updates on the impact donors have throughout the year.