The University of Wyoming’s 10th annual Giving Day achieved unprecedented engagement, with 11,202 donors contributing more than $4.1 million. And it’s all thanks to donors.

“For 24 hours, our UW community unites to celebrate one another, share impact stories, and see the real difference their contributions make in the lives of students,” says Emilee O’Brien, UW Foundation Annual Giving manager. “Each year, I’m amazed at how Giving Day continues to build momentum and excitement. It’s a powerful opportunity to bring together donors at every level—first-time givers, loyal recurring supporters, students, alumni, businesses, faculty, friends of UW, and major donors alike.”

Giving Day has taken hold at the university, and donor participation has been growing substantially over the years—from 6,296 in 2022 to 8,978 in 2023 to a resounding 11,202 in 2024. This year’s success showcases how UW’s network of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters continues to rally for the future of the university.

A crucial factor in 2024’s success was over $1.4 million in matching funds and challenges that amplified donor impact. The UW Foundation provided $360,000 in matching funds, the UW Board of Trustees contributed $250,000, and the McMurry Foundation added a surprise $100,000 match to ensure a strong finish.

The entire UW community came together for Giving Day, with more than 265 individual campaigns spanning academic colleges, athletic programs, and student organizations. 

Student-run campaigns saw strong growth from last year—117 campaigns raised $453,881 in 2024, while 72 campaigns raised $380,606 in 2023, an increase of nearly 20 percent.

“It has been very inspiring to see how many students got involved in Giving Day last year,” says Lillian Feist, UW Foundation Annual Giving coordinator. “It’s a direct reflection of the impact our community has on students when we invest in student experiences, and it shows students that giving back has a huge impact on our campus. It inspires our 

students to get involved in our community in new ways to build a better UW

and a better Wyoming.”

Competition remained fierce across challenges. The Western Thunder Marching Band dominated the Overall Donor Challenge with 949 donors contributing $253,169, followed by the rodeo team with 517 donors and $82,333. The College of Arts and Sciences led institutional giving with 1,602 donors, nearly double the second-place College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources of 852 donors.

These results reflect a decade of building the philanthropic culture at the university, within the state, and beyond. It demonstrates how collective community support can transform student experiences, advance the university’s mission, and ensure the future prosperity of our communities.