Monday, December 9, 2024 1378

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Fort Lewis College reached new heights during its sixth annual Giving Tuesday campaign, raising more than $722,000 from 611 donors in a single day. The 24-hour fundraising event set records for participation and total dollars raised, marking a 16% increase over last year and marking the most successful day of giving in the college’s history.

Melissa Mount, vice president of Advancement at FLC and CEO of the FLC Foundation, attributed the event's success to the strength of the college’s community.

“Every donor, from alumni to first-time contributors, plays a role in driving FLC’s mission forward,” Mount said. “Together, we are empowering our students, enhancing our programs, and creating a brighter future.”

This year’s campaign featured 50 challenges to inspire support across various programs and initiatives. Athletics alone raised more than $172,000 from 255 unique donors.

Alumni played a pivotal role in the campaign's success. Targeted challenges were aimed at first-time alumni donors and those increasing their contributions. In total, 191 alumni raised $247,000.

Strategic outreach drives results

Katie Nester, director of Outreach and Donor Relations, said new strategies to reach a broader range of donors contributed to the results. The team prioritized key areas such as student well-being, athletics, and academic research. It structured challenges to motivate both new and returning donors.

“Our comprehensive approach this year allowed us to connect more meaningfully with our donors,” Nester said. “The increase in alumni participation and the variety of giving opportunities highlighted the incredible breadth of support for our students and programs.”

“This Giving Tuesday was not just about breaking records; it was about bringing our community together in a shared vision for the future,” Mount said. “Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens FLC’s foundation and ensures that we continue to make a lasting impact for generations to come.”

Mount noted that the Giving Tuesday results reflect a broader trend of growing generosity toward Fort Lewis College.

The FLC Foundation celebrated a record-breaking year, doubling the college’s endowment and securing $20.6 million in new gifts and commitments. The foundation also reported receiving $2.3 million in planned giving promises and 3,822 gifts from 2,858 donors, including 1,520 new donors.