As UT Dallas’ basketball teams take to the court this fall, they will have more than fan support in the stands – they will also have the support of donors who make UT Dallas athletics possible. Many of those donors chose to tie their Comet pride to their pocketbooks as part of the 4th annual North Texas Giving Day this fall.
More than $6,000 of the money raised on North Texas Giving Day was given in support of UT Dallas athletics.
“UT Dallas athletics has been fortunate to be a part of North Texas Giving Day for the past two years,” said Chris Gage, UT Dallas athletic director. “This endeavor provides us with an opportunity to encourage donors to make their contributions to the Comet Club, but it also places emphasis on keeping dollars local by investing in the community.”
Sponsored by Communities Foundation of Texas, North Texas Giving Day (NTGD) allows qualified nonprofits to participate in the one-day event, which was held in September this year. Each donation made through donorbridge.com was eligible for matching funds. Altogether, more than 150 donors raised $40,529 for the University, including more than $6,000 for UT Dallas athletics.
“One of our internal philosophies is to be good custodians of our money,” Gage said. “NTGD is one way we can try and expand this principle by garnering greater returns on peoples’ philanthropy, and using those funds wisely to provide for the 250-plus student athletes at UT Dallas.”
This is the third year that the University has participated in the event, and there are hopes to further UT Dallas’ involvement in the future. The University plans to significantly increase the overall number of North Texas Giving Day gifts in 2013 by educating more alumni about the potential matching funds, said Dwight Clasby, assistant vice president of development at UT Dallas. By doing so, the University may qualify for additional funding opportunities.
Alumni giving is one factor in the ranking methodology used by U.S. News & World Report and in many other outside assessments. “By leveraging their contributions through North Texas Giving Day, alumni can help UT Dallas improve its national ranking,” Clasby said. “When you make a gift, you’re also making an investment in the value of your degree.”
Every gift counts, regardless of size, when measuring alumni giving rates. All of the gifts received during North Texas Giving Day count toward the UT Dallas Realize the Vision: The Campaign for Tier One & Beyond fundraising campaign. To date, more than $125 million has been raised toward the $200 million goal.