Cleveland State University alumni, faculty, staff and students came together last week to set a new fundraising record, raising more than $900,000 during the university’s annual Giving Day celebration on Thursday, Feb. 26, with donations continuing through the weekend.

Giving Day is a primarily virtual fundraising campaign that encourages the CSU community to support campus organizations, academic departments, athletic programs and student initiatives. 

This year, more than 160 groups took part in the effort, each rallying donors to contribute directly to their cause.

“Areas of the university come together to raise money for their respective areas, all at the same time,” said John Templeman, Director of Annual Giving at CSU. “It's become a local holiday on campus.” 

Templeman explained that this year’s record-breaking total reflects a shift in strategy from the university’s Annual Giving Team. The Giving Day 2026 campaign leaned into a grassroots approach centered on student impact.

“This year we kind of decided to scale back and really focus on a grassroots approach, which was really getting deeper and telling stories about the students,” Templeman said. 

Funds raised during Giving Day go directly to the participating organizations, with totals largely driven by each group’s outreach and promotional efforts.

For some programs, especially athletics, the campaign plays a critical role in sustaining operations.

“For example, each individual sport sets goals,” Templeman said. “That money they raised on Giving Day is a huge part of their budget throughout the year, so they really depend on that money.”

Beyond athletics and academics, campus resource centers also benefit from the donations. Programs such as Lift Up Vikes, CSU’s food pantry, rely on philanthropic support to serve the campus community.

“That money makes a huge difference,” Templeman said. “A $1,000 gift to Lift Up Vikes would feed people for weeks.”

These philanthropic donations are especially important in covering costs that may not be supported by student tuition, helping provide scholarships, student programming and wellness resources that enhance both academic success and personal well-being.

“It's important in Cleveland because a lot of people that might not have opportunities elsewhere get them here. I think (Giving Day) makes a real difference in a lot of people's lives,” he said. 

Organizations interested in participating in Giving Day 2027 can reach out to j.templeman@csuohio.edu for more information.

“It’s never too early to start,” Templeman said when explaining how campus groups can get involved. “The more, the merrier.”