Advocate Toolkit

What is GW Giving Day?

GW Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising campaign designed to increase philanthropic support for the university. GW alumni, parents, and friends are encouraged to make a gift on GW Giving Day to maximize collective philanthropic impact. What makes giving days successful at other universities and organizations across the country is the hard work of volunteers, like Giving Day Advocates.

What Does a Giving Day Advocate Do?

Giving Day Advocates are incredibly important volunteers. These advocates promote the awareness of Giving Day and the powerful effects of philanthropy on the everyday lives of GW students. By becoming an advocate and encouraging 5 alumni to make a gift, you are amplifying your impact and improving the lives of students for years to come.  

A Giving Day Advocate:

  • Raises awareness on social media by posting content and sharing with their networks to increase engagement
  • Connects with GW alumni, family, and/or friends via phone, email, text, and social media
  • Makes a philanthropic gift of any amount meaningful to the advocate and encourages others to follow their example

Returning Advocate?

  1. Log into your past GiveCampus Account
  2. Select the GW Giving Day 2024 Campaign
  3. Check out the GiveCampus Training for seasoned advocates and use Passcode bS9oVC@R

 

First Time Advocate?

  1. Check out the GiveCampus training for new advocates and use Passcode T+1PG@q6
  2. Sign up to be an advocate on the GW Giving Day platform
    Screenshot of advocate sign up form
     
    Screenshot of advocacy options
     
     

     

  3. Participate in the Giving Day Advocate training session or watch a pre-recorded training session online
  4. Remain signed into your GiveCampus account while conducting outreach to track progress

Outreach

Screenshot of feed showing donations and matches
 
 

 

We recommend reaching out and engaging with your network in a variety of ways:

  • Share Giving Day information on social media through your giving day advocate personalized link by using our media toolkit
  • Create a personal video and share it with your networks. (The video can be shot with your phone and can take less than five minutes. After filming, head to your advocate tab and upload).  
  • Support areas of the university you are passionate about. (Please feel free to use our email templates).
  • Consider calling or following up an email or text to encourage people to make a gift. 
  • Offer a match or challenge gift to encourage your network to give.
  • Share the GiveCampus "Heat" Map to encourage giving from your state, country or region.

 

screenshot of challenge example: Ashil will give $50 if 25 donors give in the next 3 days; 12 donors down, 13 to go!
 

 

 

example of a match: Lydia Ward is matching $1 per donor up to $25 for the next 3 days; only the next 22 donors will be matched!
 

 


Saying Thank You

One of the most important things you can do is thank donors! No matter the size, every single gift is important to GW and the future of student success.  If you solicit a contact and they make a gift, please take a moment to thank them for their generosity.  Whether you call, text, email, or direct message, a thank you goes a long way!

Email Templates for Outreach

Subject line:  Save the date for GW’s Giving Day - April 3-4

Hello [Name],

It's that time of year again - GW's Annual Giving Day is just around the corner! Circle April 3-4, 2024, on your calendar and seize the opportunity to empower the promising students of  today and tomorrow. 

Will you join me in making a meaningful contribution to [insert school, college, or area of support] and help students our students soar to new heights in 2024?

For further details, please visit www.givingday.gwu.edu!

Let's raise high together!

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

 

Subject line: GW Giving Day is coming: April 3-4!

Mark your calendars for GW's Annual Giving Day on April 3-4!  Join us as we come together to support our students and community.  Your generosity maks a difference in the lives of GW students.  Please stay tuned for more details! 

Raise High,
[Your Name]

 

Subject:  Join me for GW Giving Day

Hello [Name],

Today is the day to make a difference! Join me in making a gift during GW’s Annual Giving Day. Your support can impact student scholarships, academic programs, or [insert school/college/unit], ensuring a brighter future for GW students.  

Make your gift online here: [insert your giving day link]

Together, let's elevate our support for students and empower them to succeed and shape the world.

Raise high!
[Your Name]

 

Subject: Join Me in Celebrating GW Giving Day!

Hello [Name],

I hope this message finds you well.  I'm writing to extend a special invitation to join me in celebrating GW Giving Day! 

It's that time of year again when we come together to support the incredible students of GW.  Today, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact by contributing to students scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, and the overall success of our university community. 

Your participation matters more than ever.  Together, we can create opportunities, foster innovation, and empower the next generations of leaders.

Please consider making a gift today by visiting [insert your personal link].  Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of GW students, helping them to reach their fullest potential and achieve their goals.  Thank you for your support, and let's raise high for GW Giving Day! 

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

 

 

 

Subject: Your Generosity Transforms Lives: Thank you for Giving to GW!

Dear [Name],

I am writing to express my gratitude for your generous support during GW's Annual Giving Day.  Your gift embodies a legacy that will resonate for generations to come, shaping the futures of countless GW students. 

Your dedication to our community strengthens the bonds that unite us and propels our students toward their academic aspirations. Your gift not only provides financial assistance but also serves as encouragement, inspiring our students to pursue excellence and effect positive change in the world.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering commitment to the GW community. 

Raise High,
[Your Name] 

 

Subject: Expressing Gratitude for Your Support on GW Giving Day!

I hope this email finds you well and filled with the same spirit of generosity that you have shared with GW student on our Giving Day.  

Your recent contribution to GW's Giving Day has touched the lives of our students in profound ways. Gifts from donors like you make our community stronger and help GW students achieve their academic goals.

Your generosity not only provides financial assistance but also instills a sense of belonging and community within our GW family. With your help, we can continue to foster an environment where students thrive academically, intellectually, and personally. 

On behalf of the entire GW community, I extend our deepest gratitude for your commitment to making a difference. Your belief in our students and our mission is truly inspiring and uplifting. Your gift is a legacy that will impact generations to come, and we thank you for your generosity.

Thank you and raise high!

Best,
[Your Name]

 

Subject:  Join me for GW Giving Day

Hello (name),

Today is the day! I hope you will join me in making a gift during GW’s annual Giving Day. Whether you support student scholarships, academic programs, or (insert school/college/unit), we hope you make the decision to support GW students today and tomorrow.  

Make your gift online here:

Together, we can raise higher for students and help them succeed and change the world.

Raise high!

 

Subject: Thank you for your gift to GW on Giving Day

Dear (name),

Thank you so much for supporting GW students on our annual Giving Day! Your gift is a legacy that will impact generations to come, and we thank you for your generosity. Gifts from donors like you make our community stronger and help GW students achieve their academic goals. 

Thank you and Raise high!

 


Social Media Sample Posts 

Download social media art and graphics.

Note: links are personalized and available through your advocacy account on GiveCampus.

X (formerly Twitter)

  • GW is celebrating its annual Giving Day! Mark your calendars for April 3-4 and join me and so many other alumni in supporting the promising students of today and tomorrow. #GWGivingDay [Your advocate link]
  • GW’s annual Giving Day is coming up on April 3-4! I hope you will join me in giving to ______ to help students raise higher and achieve more in 2024. Learn more[Your advocate link] #GWGivingDay

Facebook/Instagram

  • On April 3-4, I’m giving to  _______ in honor of #GWGivingDay. When I was a student [explain the importance of where you’re giving meant to you]. I want to ensure that future students have the same, if not better, experience that I did. Learn more[Your advocate link] #GWGivingDay
  • April 3-4 is the annual #GWGivingDay, and I’m giving to __________. [1-2 sentences on how important the area that you’re supporting is to you]. Will you join me and so many other alumni by making a gift? Mark your calendar and learn more at [Your advocate link]

X (formerly Twitter)

  • TODAY is #GWGivingDay! Join me and so many other GW alumni in making a gift to _________ fund or any other part of GW that is important to you. Our collective support makes a world of difference for current students. Learn more → [Your advocate link]
  • I just gave to _________ fund for #GWGivingDay! Today, alumni from around the world are making a gift to make a collective impact on current students. Join me and so many others by making a gift today: Learn more → [Your advocate link]

Facebook/Instagram

  • Today, I’m giving to  _______ fund in honor of #GWGivingDay. When I was a student [explain the importance of where you’re giving meant to you]. I want to ensure that future students have the same, if not better, experience that I did. Join me in giving today  Learn more → [Your advocate link]
  • Today is the annual #GWGivingDay, and I’m giving to __________ fund. [1-2 sentences on how important the area that you’re supporting is to you]. Will you join me and so many Revolutionaries by making a gift today? Our support ensures that GW students are set up for success in 2024 and beyond! Learn more → [Your advocate link]

LinkedIn

  • Today is GW Giving Day! Join me in making a gift to where GW most impacted your career. Your gift will have a lasting impact on current students and programming. Let's empower future leaders together! Learn more → [Your advocate link]
  • Today is GW Giving Day, and I just gave to ________ fund. I support (fund) every year on Giving Day because I want current students to have the same opportunities I had at GW - or better! I encourage you to support whatever is important to you TODAY! Learn more → [Your advocate link]

Other resources

Giving Day Media Toolkit - This includes logos, social media shares, and other visuals.

Questions? Please contact [email protected].