A total of 11,046 donors from 50 states and six continents donated to the University during the sixth annual Pitt Day of Giving on Feb. 22. The fundraising event generated $2.96 million for scholarships, research, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and other initiatives.
The annual day of giving has been growing over the past few years. Last year, just over 11,100 donors gave nearly $2.5 million. In 2020, 7,630 donors gave a total of $1.6 million.
“Every year, we challenge the Pitt community, and they respond without hesitation,” Kris Davitt, senior vice chancellor for Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement, said in a news release. “I’m proud of this community and grateful for everyone involved in creating an atmosphere of excitement and momentum.”
The highest-profile donation came from Super Bowl champion Aaron Donald, who followed up his seven-figure financial commitment to the Pitt Football Championship Fund in 2019 with a $200,000 donation during this year’s Pitt Day of Giving. Donald, who played for Pitt from 2010-13, earned a Super Bowl ring earlier this month with the Los Angeles Rams.
The number of faculty and staff donating was down slightly from 2,297 last year to 2,154.
Most of the donations — 7,371 — came from people in Pennsylvania, followed by New York and New Jersey, with 399 and 349, respectively.
Students, faculty and staff across all campuses celebrated the day with activities and giveaways. In Oakland, 490 students braved the rain to participate in a philanthropic trivia scavenger hunt while others donated a total of 170 pounds of food to the Pitt Pantry.
Challenge funds — which were provided, in part, by University trustees and other alumni and friends — allowed the Pitt community to participate in friendly online competitions. The schools, programs and student organizations that landed at the top of the boards received additional funding.
Among the challenges and winners were:
Schools and College Participation Challenge: Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences led with 1,097 donors, and received and extra $10,000; Swanson School of Engineering, 386 donors, $7,500; Pitt Business, 380 donors, $5,000
Schools and College Participation Challenge: Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences led with 1,097 donors, and received and extra $10,000; Swanson School of Engineering, 386 donors, $7,500; Pitt Business, 380 donors, $5,000
Schools and College Raise the Bar Challenge: Pitt Law took the top spot with a 71 percent increase in number of donors, from 181 in 2021 to 318 this year. The law school and all other units that “raised the bar,” will receive a proportional share of $100,000.
Places, Experiences + More Participation Challenge: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (College of General Studies), 329 donors, $10,000; Pitt Alumni Association, 318 donors, $7,500; Pitt Global, 238 donors, $5,000
Student Organizations Challenge: Catholic Newman Club, 891 donors, $5,000; Pitt Rowing Club, 698 donors, $2,500; Pitt Men’s Glee Club, 390 donors, $1,500; Pitt Men’s Rugby Club, 342 donors, $1,000
See all the results or make a gift at pittdayofgiving.com.