Generous donors to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus gave nearly $135,000 to support health equity initiatives during the campus’s first Giving Day on April 14.
More than 260 donors contributed during the 24-hour online event that raised funds for: scholarships; research initiatives; diversity, equity, inclusion and community engagement efforts; student emergency funds; and more.
By the Numbers
262: donors
208: gifts$134,829: dollars raised
18: funds supported
The fundraiser focused on health equity, an area of vital importance to both CU Anschutz’s mission and its strategic initiatives.
“We were heartened by the strong turnout for our first CU Anschutz Giving Day last month to boost diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the campus,” said Chancellor Don Elliman.
“This new event serves as a celebration of our community and highlights the tremendous impact of philanthropic giving. We look forward to making CU Anschutz Giving Day an annual tradition, and our gratitude goes to all who took part.”
Alumna donation kickstarts event
Seed funding from University of Colorado School of Medicine alumna Lisa Kettering (MD ’91) and her husband, Charlie, through the Kettering Family Foundation kickstarted the event. Multiple donors stepped forward with incentives and matching gifts to encourage new Giving Day donors, with the Brian J. Ratner Foundation committing $1,000 to each of the 10 featured funds once donations collectively reached $50,000 that day.
“We were delighted to facilitate giving to all the incredible programs at CU Anschutz that are dedicated to improving health in our communities,” Kettering said.
In addition, several challenges and school-specific matching grants encouraged participation and deepened impact. For example, two Colorado School of Public Health matching grants unlocked incentives worth $10,000 that increased participation.
