Key takeaways

  • Students, alumni and staff served as peer-to-peer ambassadors to get the word out to prospective donors.
  • From trivia games to giving challenges and friendly competitions, a sense of play underscored donating as a joyful expression of UCLA pride.
  • Loyal and first-time donors made nearly 4,000 gifts to support scholarships and fellowships, student clubs and organizations, health research and more.
  • More than 60% percent of donations were for $100 or less — and every gift, large and small, makes a difference to UCLA and the communities it serves.

UCLA’s first Bruin Giving Day, a new fundraising drive, was a resounding success. Across two days, April 29–30, various areas of campus showcased the positive outcomes of their work and attracted support from new and loyal donors alike. The event welcomed participation across all time zones — connecting Bruins near and far — and brought in more than $2.2 million to support hundreds of scholarships, programs and initiatives.

Donor engagement took many forms, including phone banking and outreach via social media channels. Lucy Farnham, who was recently awarded a B.S. in cognitive science, served as the emcee of Bruin Giving Day. As she traversed campus on the “Bruin Gift Cart,” she had the opportunity to meet some of the 87 student, alumni and staff ambassadors who helped spread the word about the event.

“Riding on the golf cart, meeting my fellow Bruins and testing them on their deep knowledge of UCLA trivia so they could win funding for their favorite causes — I don’t know if there’s a better way to spend a beautiful day on campus,” Farnham said. “I’m passionate about civic engagement and Bruin Giving Day was the perfect forum for applying my skills. It’s exciting that so many people are serious about giving back to and investing in UCLA.”

A broad spectrum of support

Donors who made the spring debut of Bruin Giving Day a success gave to many areas of campus and represented a wide array of constituents — alumni, parents of current students, staff, faculty, students and friends of UCLA.

They hailed from 17 countries in addition to the United States, with the gift that traveled the farthest coming from an alumnus living in Bangkok — about 8,260 miles from Westwood.

And donors made a big cumulative impact on UCLA with their many small Bruin Giving Day gifts. Of the nearly 4,000 donations, the majority — more than 60% — were $100 or less.

Alumni comprised more than 40% of total donors and especially leaned into the competitive nature of Bruin Giving Day, participating in a pet photo challenge as well as a scholarship challenge that attracted 631 gifts and raised more than $30,000 for 27 unique scholarship funds.

Stacy Rauch, senior executive director of annual and individual giving at UCLA, was delighted — but not surprised — by the outpouring of support.

“The enthusiasm of our donors is inspiring, and their energy is contagious. It comes from a real commitment to UCLA — to our students, faculty and campus,” she said. “It was terrific to see so many people accept the challenge of Bruin Giving Day in real time, making gifts and competing for matches and bragging rights to advance teaching, learning, research and public service.”

A cause for every donor

To appeal to the diverse interests of donors, 29 schools and units promoted 520 individual funds. Notable donors, giving opportunities and results included:

  • The alumni who made 219 donations to the Orange County Bruins Scholarship Endowment, placing first in the Alumni Network Scholarship Gift Challenge.
  • Thanks to a pledge from the Fanatics Foundation, 75 gifts to UCLA Sound Body Sound Mind unlocked $75,000 to provide fitness equipment, curriculum and teacher training to help students in underserved Los Angeles schools build confidence, well-being and healthy habits through sports and exercise.
  • Fashion and Student Trends (FAST) at UCLA topped the student clubs and organizations leaderboard with 105 gifts, winning an extra $250 to bring the group’s total to more than $2,300.
  • Bruin Entrepreneurs, another student organization, garnered nearly as much financial support — more than $2,000.
  • Club Pickleball attracted donations from 61 donors — more than any other club sport.

Matchmaking for the win

Of the 65 gift matches and challenges offered during Bruin Giving Day, 50 were met, unlocking $498,000 in support.

Chancellor Julio Frenk thanked the 70 challenge sponsors via a video message. “I want to express my gratitude for your commitment to UCLA,” he said. “Your challenge gifts were the catalysts that inspired others to join in and make an even greater impact.”

Laura Lavado Parker, UCLA’s associate vice chancellor for development, appreciates the difference that giving at all levels makes to UCLA and the communities it serves.

“In a year that has been challenging, economically and otherwise, for people of all walks of life, supporters nevertheless came out in force for Bruin Giving Day,” Parker said. “There is so much love for UCLA, and our strong culture of philanthropy is laying the foundation for future excellence. Private support will continue to play an important role in advancing UCLA’s efforts to improve the lives of people locally, nationally and throughout the world.”