Updated March 2023
“Challenges” are the best way to maximize your impact this Giving Day, April 11, 2023. They are giving opportunities created by generous donors to inspire other community members to make a donation. This year there are more than 50 challenges, matches, and bonuses waiting for you. There are also more ways to win, with ten hourly and daylong challenges available.
Social media challenges
#ProudtoBU Challenge
Begins April 4 and runs through April 11
Post a photo, story, or memory to social media, tag @bualumni, telling us what you’re supporting and why you’re #ProudtoBU. Two posts will be selected to win $500 in bonus funds for their cause.
Repost Challenge
The first 50 people who share the General Scholarship Fund post on our Instagram page will have $10 donated to the General Scholarship Fund. Follow us on Instagram to be notified when the challenge is live.
Hourly Challenges
On Giving Day, members from across the BU community will have the opportunity to win extra bonus funds for their department, team, club, or school. Note: All hourly challenges are in Eastern Time (ET).
- 6–9 am: Early Bird Challenge | The fund with the most unique donors between this time frame wins $1,000 in bonus funds.
- 10 am–12 pm: Alumni Power Hour | The fund with the most unique alumni donors between this time frame wins $1,000 in bonus funds.
- 12–1 pm: Parents Hourly Challenge | The fund with the most unique parent donors between this time frame wins $1,000 in bonus funds.
- 3–4 pm: Young Alumni Hourly Challenge | The fund with the most unique young alumni donors between this time frame wins $1,000 in bonus funds.
- 4–6 pm: Happy Hour Challenge | The fund with the most unique donors between this time frame wins $1,000 in bonus funds.
- 7–8 pm: Students Hourly Challenge | The fund with the most unique student donors between this time frame wins $1,000 in bonus funds.
- 9–10 pm: Young Alumni Hourly Challenge | The fund with the most unique young alumni donors this time frame wins $1,000 in bonus funds.
- 10 pm–12 am: Late Nite Challenge | The fund with the most donors between 10pm and midnight wins $1,000 in bonus funds
General Challenges
Ambassador Challenge
The ambassadors who raise the most donors on Giving Day will win bonus funds for their cause. First place $2,000, Second place $1,500, Third place $1,000, Fourth place $500. Sign up to become a BU Giving Day Ambassador.
Athletics Challenges
In head-to-head challenges, the Varsity teams in each matchup with the most money raised at the end of the day will earn a bonus for their team. New this year, Varsity teams are being challenged to “beat their best.” Each team to set a record for dollars raised on Giving Day will earn a bonus. Check out your team’s page to learn more about additional matches and bonuses available closer to Giving Day.
Club Sports Challenges
Every Club Sport to meet its donor goal earns bonus funds for their team.
Most Improved Challenge
The top three funds across Giving Day with the largest percent increase in donors over Giving Day 2022 will win bonus funds. First place $1,000, Second place $500, Third place $250. Minimum 40 donors to qualify.
School/College Challenges
Each of BU’s 17 schools and colleges hosts its own challenges featuring dollar-for-dollar matches and bonus funds to unlock.
Student Clubs & Organizations Challenge
Thanks to a generous group of alumni donors, bonus funds are up for grabs for student clubs and organizations. The 7 student groups with the most donors on Giving Day will each win a bonus, with the winning club earning an extra $1,000!
Highlighted Funds
This year we have selected several causes from across the University that make us especially #ProudToBU. Each fund will have its own dollar-for-dollar match!
- BU Diversity & Inclusion
- General Scholarship Fund
- Newbury Center
- Area of Greatest Need
Thank you for giving to the causes at BU that matter to you most and for making Giving Day a success!