Cornell Giving Day and you

What is Cornell Giving Day?

On Cornell Giving Day, alumni, parents, friends, and Big Red fans all over the world come together to make a difference for Cornell and for the world. All gifts made on March 14, 2024, between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. EDT, will count toward Cornell Giving Day.

What makes my contribution on Cornell Giving Day special?

On March 14, your contribution has an even bigger impact than usual, thanks to a handful of generous supporters who will be providing challenge funds. By making your gift, you can help your favorite areas of Cornell win these challenge funds. Throughout the day, leaderboards will show progress in real time, and challenges and games will enhance the fun and suspense.

Where does my gift go and where do the challenge funds go?

One hundred percent of your gift goes directly where you choose: your college or school or any area you're passionate about at Cornell (such as undergraduate scholarships, a team, a campus community—you name it). And the challenge funds? Colleges and units that win will receive bonus funds that support their annual funds.



Making your gift

How can I make a gift securely on Cornell Giving Day?

On March 14, you can make your gift from anywhere in the world in one of two ways:

    1. Visit givingday.cornell.edu and click on the “Give Now” button between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. EDT
    2. Call us toll-free at 800-279-3099 and speak to one of our representatives between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. EDT

Our payment methods are secure, and the information collected during Cornell Giving Day will be used only by Cornell University. While we encourage giving online or by phone on March 14, gifts by mail intended for Cornell Giving Day must be received by March 14 to be included in the day’s totals. Please mail your check, along with a note stating Cornell Giving Day, to:

Cornell Giving Day
130 E. Seneca St. Ste. 400
Ithaca, NY 14850

You can directly share a Donor-Advised Fund gift intention. Complete this form to have a grant from your DAF included in our totals. If you have any questions about making a grant via a Donor-Advised Fund, please email us at givingday@cornell.edu.

If you need more information or assistance with making your gift, call us at 800-279-3099 (between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. EDT on Giving Day) or email us anytime at givingday@cornell.edu.

Will my employer match my gift?

Many companies and organizations encourage charitable contributions through their matching-gift programs. To find out if your company will match your gift to Cornell, email us at CUmatchinggifts@cornell.edu. While we appreciate your matching gift, it will not be counted in Giving Day totals.

Tax and gift credit

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. Cornell University is a not-for-profit institution with a mission of education, research and scholarship, and service.

Does my gift count towards my annual giving?

Yes. If it is your first gift this fiscal year, your gift on Cornell Giving Day will be counted towards the annual giving participation rate, as well as your 1865 Society membership. If you have already given this year, thank you for your gift! We encourage you to be a part of Cornell Giving Day and support what you are passionate about at Cornell. Only gifts made on March 14 count towards the totals that can unlock challenge funds for the college or unit that means the most to you. Your additional gift will inspire others to give as well.

Do Giving Day matches count toward my Cornell giving record?

Matches set up for Giving Day amplify the impact of your gift–and are a great way to secure even more support for the areas you love most. They do not, however, count toward your personal giving record.

Does my gift count towards my Reunion class totals?

Yes. Your gift on Cornell Giving Day will count towards your Reunion class totals.



Other ways to participate and get in touch

Besides giving, how can I help Cornell Giving Day be a huge success?

There are so many ways to show your Big Red spirit on Giving Day! Become a Giving Day Champion to raise money for Cornell via a personal fundraising page. Sign up here and spread the word by sharing your page with your friends, family, and networks. Encourage them to make their gift in a social media post, or send an email or text message with your unique fundraising link. You can also spread the word about Giving Day by posting across social media using the #CornellGivingDay hashtag! Whatever method you choose, your voice will make an enormous difference in the success of Cornell Giving Day.

How can I get in touch for more information?

Call toll-free 800-279-3099 (between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. EDT on Giving Day) or email givingday@cornell.edu.