SCL Student Org + Department Giving Day Toolkit

What is Giving Day?

Cornell Giving Day is a 24-hour virtual outpouring of support from the Cornell community that takes place in mid-March every year. On Giving Day, alumni, families, friends, and Big Red fans all over the world come together to make a difference by making gifts to the Cornell areas they care about most. Participating in Giving Day enables colleges, units, departments, and organizations to raise funds to support their activities and initiatives.

You're Registered! Now What?

Simply having a Giving Day page or link won't inspire donors and dollars! Be sure to use the resources below, rewatch the training session video, and organize your team outreach strategy!

Communications Timeline

Save the Date Outreach

March 3 - 10

Tell past and potential donors to mark their calendars!

Giving Day Morning Outreach

March 12

Use your email scripts, social media, templates, and other outreach tools!

Giving Day Last Chance Outreach

March 12

Remind donors to MAKE THEIR GIFT!

Thank You Outreach

March 14 - 22

Thank all donors and keep an eye on your inbox for team giving reports!

Fundraising Resources

Lists, Scripts, and Templates

How you prepare for Giving Day has a direct impact on your fundraising outcomes on Giving Day! Do the work now to make communication on Giving Day easy!

Team Outreach List Template

Magic Formula = 10 Team Fundraisers x 20 contacts each = 200 potential donors

Download Template HERE

Instagram/LinkedIn Graphics

See template directions below!

Open In BOX

Instagram Story Graphics

See template directions below!

Open In BOX

Facebook Graphics

See template directions below!

Open In BOX

Social Media Graphics

Directions for All Template Types

1. Download one of the pre-formatted PNG overlays from above (PNG files have built-in transparency).

2. Select a photo of your cause, college, or unit that you would like to feature in your post.

3. Open your design platform of choice (Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Express, or another photo editor).

4. Upload or insert both files— both the selected photo and the PNG overlay need to be in the platform.

5. Place your photo on the canvas or artboard first.

6. Layer the PNG overlay on top of the photo.

7. Adjust the size and position of the overlay as needed, avoiding important content.

8. Export or download the final graphic as a PNG or JPG (PNG is recommended for social posts).

Share your post on social media to support the big day!

Want to replay the content we covered during your training session?

CLICK BELOW!

Watch Video

Champions

What is a Champion?

Giving Day Champions are passionate Cornell alumni, students, and friends who want to amplify their love for Cornell and inspire others to make a meaningful impact on the university community. As a Champion, you’re not just a donor—you’re a leader, an advocate, and a catalyst for positive change at Cornell.

How to become a Giving Day Champion?

Using the Giving Day website’s peer-to-peer fundraising tool, you can help Cornell raise more, engage more, and do more!

Sign Up Here

Rally Your Team!

Gather your members day of to send out your emails and text messages to your donors.

Page Types & Critiera

Giving Links

Organizations applying for the first time, as well us organizations that received less than $1,000 or less than 10 donors will receive a giving link that can be used on giving day.

Gifts made thru your giving link go directly to your organization accounts.

Giving Pages

Returning organizations who have received more than $1,000 last year and/or 10+ donors are eligible for a full giving day page that features written descriptions and photos.

APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED

Deadline to register was January 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Applications will not be approved without organization leaders attending a mandatory Giving Day training session.

Your final giving page/link will be shared prior to Giving Day.

Useful Links

How do I explore areas participating in Giving Day? https://givingday.cornell.edu/

How do I become a Giving Day Champion? https://alumni.cornell.edu/giving-day-champions/

How do I access my funding from Giving Day? https://scl.cornell.edu/PurchasingSupport

Who Can Apply each year

Official student organizations who have completed the yearly registration process through Campus Activities are eligible to participate in Giving Day.

Registered organizations are eligible to receive a Cornell gift account. Any gifts to your organization on Giving Day are directly deposited to your account.

Given the volume of gifts received on giving day, final transfers and gifts may not reach accounts until several week following Giving Day.

 
 
 
 
 

Questions?

For additional questions please contact us at scl-aad@cornell.edu. We are happy to support your Giving Day efforts and help execute a great fundraising campaign for your organization!