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What is BSU’s Giving Day?
For 1840 minutes, the Bridgewater community will come together to support our students. Together, we can provide more resources and learning opportunities For Every Student, Without Exception at Bridgewater State University. Save the date for this year's Giving Day, April 9-10, 2025!
How can I be a part of it?
- Show your pride on Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10:
- Make an online gift: fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/bsugives
- Give to the Bridgewater Fund or choose one of the many BSU funds that matter most to you. ALL gifts made from Wednesday, April 9, 2 p.m. through Thursday, April 10, 8:40 p.m. count.
- Encourage others to follow your lead by letting them know you just made a gift and why Bridgewater is important to you.
- “Like” the BSU and Alumni social networks
- Post to Instagram or Facebook stories with a short video of why it is important to support the students of BSU. Get personal. Tell your Bridgewater story to inspire others to make a gift. Repost, share, and like #BSUGives on social media posts throughout the day.
- Become a Fundraiser
- Create your own custom fundraising page through our GiveSmart website by adding your own personal touch – text, photos, and videos. It’s quick and easy. Be sure to share your story of why it’s important to you to open doors for BSU students. Share your page with your network of friends and family and encourage them to make a gift in support of Bridgewater. Set your own goal and track your impact.
- You will be eligible to win a special BSU gift, see below for details.
- Watch this video for a quick guide to setting up your page or follow these steps…
- Click the “Become a Fundraiser” button on our GiveSmart fundraising page fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/bsugives. Fill in your information, submit the form.
- Personalize your page. Upload a photo, set your goal, personalize your message, ‘Save.’
- Share your page. Click the Facebook, Twitter, or email icons to create a custom message and share your personal fundraising page with your network.
- Save the confirmation email to edit or update your page. This email will include your personal URL, social share buttons, and keyword for sharing.
- All individual fundraisers will receive a special social media shout-out
- Fundraisers who raise $500 or more will receive a special BSU gift
Match, Challenge, Incentives
- Colleges and Institutes Challenge: All gifts made to the greatest needs (current use) fund of your college/institute will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $5,000) to the college/institute's endowed fund!
- Alumni by the Decade Leaderboard Challenge: In addition to bragging rights, the decade with the most Giving Day participation will win a special discount from our new online Vintage collection!
- Fundraiser Incentive: Start your own fundraiser for BSU through GiveSmart and share with your network of friends and family and encourage them to give to BSU for Giving Day! All Fundraisers who raise $500 or more will win a special BSU gift.
- Endowment Match: We've identified the following challenge groups for this year's Giving Day. All gifts made to the endowed funds below will be matched Dollar for Dollar up to $5,000!
- Political Science: Dr. Shaheen Mozaffar Scholarship Award. This fund supports political science students who demonstrate excellence in research on international affairs.
- IT: Ritesh Chandra IT Cares Student Scholarship Fund. This fund supports students studying computer science, technology, engineering, or information systems management.
- Phys Ed Alumni Association: Thornburg Physical Education Scholarship. This fund supports students studying Physical Education.
- Afro-Am Alumni Association: Jerrol J. Toledo Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund supports minority students in good academic standing with a proven record of co-curricular involvement and community service.
- LGBTQ+ Alumnx Council: Achieving the Dream Fund. This fund supports programs that have been proven to close achievement/opportunity gaps for underserved students.
- Resident Hall Association: RHA Scholarship Fund. This fund supports students living on campus in residential housing.
- Phi Pi Delta: Phi Pi Delta Fraternity Scholarship. This fund supports upper-class students who have demonstrated a commitment to academics, philanthropy, and community service.
- Football: Bear's Football Endowed Fund. This fund provides flexible funding to advance the opportunities available to student-athletes and coaches through participation in the football team.
- Academic Achievement Center Endowed Fund: This fund ensures that all BSU students have the resources and accommodations they need to succeed academically and provides flexible funding to support accessibility, leadership programs, peer mentoring, and more.
- Prof. Uma Shama Endowed Scholarship Fund: This fund provides financial assistance for academically high-achieving Mathematics and Computer Science students with financial need.
Tribute Gifts
In celebration of BSU’s 185th year, make your gift in honor of one of your favorite professors or administrators who made a difference in your life. Honorees and/or their families will be notified of your thoughtful gesture. Don’t miss this meaningful way to express your appreciation for that special individual who shaped your Bridgewater experience!
Simply fill out the “tribute information” section when making your gift.
Do you know someone who is celebrating a milestone work anniversary at Bridgewater State University? You can become their champion by creating a fundraising page to raise money in their honor. Support the Sponsor-A-Student program by collecting $1,000 or more, and an award will be given to a student in their name next academic year.
Stay Connected on social media with the campaign: Follow university and Alumni social media channels, share hashtags, and more to spread the world about Giving Day!
- Hashtags: #BSUgives
- Donation Link: fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/bsugives
- Text: BSUGIVES to 71777
- BSU Social Networks:
- Facebook.com/BridgewaterStateU
- Twitter: @BridgeStateU
- Instagram: @bridgestateu
- BSU Alumni Social Networks:
- Facebook.com/BSUAlum
- Twitter: @bsu_alumni
- Instagram: @bsu_alumni
Bridgewater State University relies on our strong network of alumni and friends to enrich, enhance, and elevate the lives of our students. Thanks to you, Bridgewater can provide more opportunities and experiences — For Every Student, Without Exception.