Gator Giving Day raises nearly $200,000 for students, programs and clubs

San Francisco State University’s second annual Gator Giving Day delivered a strong showing, nearly doubling last year’s total and far surpassing its fundraising goal.

During the 24-hour campaign on March 18, more than 920 supporters contributed $196,735 — exceeding the $110,000 goal by 78%. Funds will support student clubs, academic departments, programs and scholarships across the University.

Alumni accounted for the largest share of donors (26%), followed by faculty and staff (22%), supporters of the University (20%), students (15%) and parents at (6%).

Throughout the day, matching gifts and challenges encouraged participation and helped donors maximize their impact. Perfect Pair, a student organization that connects students with older adults in assisted living facilities, won a social media challenge that secured an additional $500.

Graciela Bejarano, a third-year Cell and Molecular Biology student who is involved with Perfect Pair, said the event made fundraising for the organization easier. Fundraising can be challenging, she says, but the support and guidance behind Gator Giving Day turned it into a fun and rewarding experience. Bejarano said the additional funding will help the organization expand its mission.

“We’ve been able to grow our club and build meaningful connections with older adults at Alma Via of San Francisco,” she said. “The Perfect Pair team thanks SFSU and all of the donors from the bottom of our hearts.”

Attracting new donors remained a key priority. This year, 16% of contributors were first-time participants in Gator Giving Day, reflecting growing engagement throughout the SFSU community.

“It’s exciting to watch this community-based culture of philanthropy grow,” said Jeff Jackanicz, vice president for University Advancement. “Last year, we laid the foundation for this event and ended the day with 647 donors. That number grew by 42% this year — a clear indication that the seed we planted is taking root.”

A total of 132 groups participated, including 40 representing academic colleges, departments and programs. The remaining groups raised funds for student clubs and University Athletics. 

The Lam Family College of Business raised $48,176 — more than triple its $15,000 goal. The funds will expand the college’s alumni-student mentorship program and support academic initiatives.

Dean Eugene Sivadas credited the college’s success to a collective effort among faculty, staff and alumni.

“Gator Giving Day captures the spirit of the Lam Family College of Business — our strong sense of community and shared purpose,” Sivadas said. “We thank our department chairs, faculty and staff for their energy and enthusiasm in amplifying the campaign. Above all, we celebrate our alumni, whose continued engagement and generosity support our students and shape our college’s future.”

If you missed Gator Giving Day and still want to help, there’s always time to make a difference. Your support ensures that SFSU will continue to deliver excellence and access to transformative education rooted in innovation and equity. Learn more about giving to SFSU. And you can look forward to next year’s Gator Giving Day, when we’ll achieve even greater success for our campus community.