What is BU Giving Day?
Posted March 2021 | Updated January 2025
Boston University Giving Day, April 9, 2025, is a one-day, online fundraising drive. On #BUGivingDay, alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff, and friends from all over the world come together to give back and celebrate what they care about at BU. Whether you’re a fan of club sports, an admirer of BU’s sustainability efforts, a friend to first-generation students, or an eager supporter of another group, there’s a BU community that is grateful for your gift. P.S. 100 percent of your gift goes to the fund you choose!
On Giving Day, every gift makes an even bigger impact than it normally would. How? Well, thanks to a group of generous donors who help match gifts, every Giving Day donation helps earn bonus funds for BU schools and colleges, teams, and programs. There are also special one-time hourly challenges that give areas at BU the chance to earn additional matching funds. Whether you compete for the “breakfast of champions challenge” or the “prime time challenge”—your chosen fund has multiple opportunities throughout the day to earn additional cash.
In 2024—in celebration of BU’s 10th Giving Day—more than 11,500 donors made gifts to over 800 different causes and programs, totaling $3.9 million in support. A truly amazing feat! This year, we need your help once again. Every social media post, text, or email you send helps spread the word about #BUGivingDay, and ultimately helps raise critical funds for the schools, colleges, departments, teams, clubs, and causes that make you Proud to BU. Get involved today by signing up to be a BU Giving Day Advocate. Participate in Advocate challenges to earn bonuses for yourself and additional funds for your cause.
Are you Rhetty for Giving Day? Here are some ways that you can get involved and support your cause at BU!
1. Add a reminder
Add a reminder on your phone or calendar so you don’t miss out on all the extra bonus money your favorite BU cause can receive from your donation!
2. Become a Giving Day advocate
Motivate friends and family to donate to the BU cause that matters most to you. You’ll receive a custom link and ample resources to show your BU spirit throughout the day.
Become a BU Giving Day Advocate
3. Post pictures in BU gear
We want to see your school spirit! So dust off that old sweater or weathered hat and post a picture on your social channels with the hashtag #BUGivingDay to show your support and BU pride.
If you’re posting an Instagram Story, take advantage of our BU-themed stickers! Click on the sticker icon and search “bualumni.” Have fun and get creative with them—but don’t forget to tag us (@bualumni) and use the hashtag #BUGivingDay to get noticed!
4. Participate in challenges
From “rush hour” to “prime time” to school/college-specific challenges, there are plenty of ways your donation can make a bigger impact on Giving Day. We’ll be updating the Giving Day website with the hourly challenges throughout the next few weeks, so don’t forget to look at it periodically to strategize accordingly.
5. Connect with the BU Community
Even if you’re miles away from Boston, the BU community is always within reach. Join one of our Regional Networks and get in touch with alumni in your area or sign up for BU Connects and expand your personal and professional network.