One Day. One KU. 24-hour giving campaign returns for third year

Mon, 02/10/2020

Michelle Strickland

LAWRENCE — The spirit behind One Day. One KU., the annual 24-hour giving campaign, is that one day can make a big difference to the University of Kansas.

Thanks to the generosity and passion of thousands of supporters around the globe, One Day. One KU. raised more than $1.7 million to support the university since its inception in 2018. The third annual day of giving Feb. 20 is shaping up to be a success in its own right.

Jayhawk alumni, friends and fans will come together in that 24 hours to provide philanthropic support to schools and programs across all KU campuses: Lawrence, the Edwards Campus in Overland Park and all three KU Medical Center campuses in the state — Kansas City, Wichita and Salina.

In 2019, donors made 2,635 gifts resulting in $1,084,062 raised to support KU. The smallest contribution was $5, and the largest contribution was $100,000. The day was truly a worldwide event, with donations coming from 44 states and eight countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico.

This year’s campaign features more opportunities for donors to connect to areas they are passionate about. In 2019, 39 schools and academic units participated. That number has grown to 42 participating schools and units in 2020.

Adding to the spirit of the day, there are numerous matching grant/fund challenges to unlock online at One Day. One KU. and on social media.

There are $554,672 in match/challenge commitments secured so far, with 108 unique matches and challenges.
Twenty-five of the matches/challenges are sponsored by the chancellor, vice chancellors, deans and directors, a testament to the university leadership’s support for the campaign.
Social media challenges will occur throughout the day. For example, 2,020 uses of the hashtag #OneDayOneKU on Twitter will unlock $5,000 for the Jayhawk Student Support Fund.

Gifts made online, by phone and in person between midnight and 11:59 p.m. CST Feb. 20 will count toward One Day. One KU. Visit One Day. One KU. to find out more and to donate.