Be a Difference-Maker on 1Day4DU

The University of Denver community has overcome a year where our entire world was upside down and the word “normal” took on new meaning. Our campus and our community are beginning to rebound and build for a post-pandemic future. Through it all, we have witnessed countless examples of how caring for and helping others have made a difference at DU. This is something we also witness every spring with 1Day4DU — the University’s day of giving.

Wednesday, May 19, marks the seventh annual day of giving. 1Day4DU brings support to and builds awareness for meaningful priorities and projects spanning the entire University, benefiting students, faculty, staff and many living in the Denver area.

2021’s day of giving features a lineup of 38 crowdfunding projects that are mission-critical funding priorities, including those assisting students who need help with essential expenses, supporting faculty with research projects impacting the public good, and helping student-athletes with resources to excel in the classroom and in competition. On Wednesday, the community will discover more than a dozen new projects to choose from, many of which focus on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including Black Women LEAD, DU PRIDE, Equity Labs, and SciTech Summer Camp for Girls. 

This year’s effort brings an inspiring digital experience to the entire DU global network, while also providing a limited on-campus presence. Individuals with campus access who want to learn more about the different projects or make an in-person donation can stop by the Community Commons. Everyone, whether living in Denver or halfway around the world, can support the University by visiting the crowdfunding website.

“Every year during 1Day4DU, we see the tremendous dedication and generosity of DU’s alumni, friends, faculty and staff in supporting so many meaningful initiatives at the University of Denver,” says Val Otten, senior vice chancellor for Advancement. “This year, as we look toward a post-pandemic future, funds raised during this important day will benefit key initiatives such as scholarships, the Student Assistance Fund, exciting research projects and so much more. We are grateful for the many individuals whose participation in 1Day4DU helps create a brighter future for our students and our community.”

A new function on this year’s 1Day4DU site allows individuals to mobilize as “advocates” for a certain cause that may capture their passion. Anyone who becomes an advocate for a program can share their impact on their social networks, which then allows others to donate directly to that same program. Advocates can also create a match challenge that can be set to any dollar amount.

Last year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic impacts, nearly 2,400 donors contributed more than $450,000 to 25 critical projects on 1Day4DU. Donations poured in from nearly every U.S. state and multiple countries, with many gifts supporting the Student Assistance Fund.

To learn more about the projects featured on 1Day4DU and to support an initiative that is close to your heart, please click here.