.png)
Giving Day: A Movement of Generosity
- Simi Kell
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Today (April 8, 2025) is Giving Day at the University of Utah — and if you're like me and participating in UGiving Day, you can feel the energy in the air. There's something powerful about watching people rally around causes they believe in, showing up for their communities, and choosing kindness in action. Giving Days aren’t just moments — they’re movements. And they’re growing stronger every year.
In 2024, GivingTuesday overall alone brought in a record-breaking $3.6 billion in donations — a 16% jump from the previous year. That’s not just a number; that’s impact. That’s the meals served, the kids educated, the forests protected, and the lives changed. Even as the number of individual donors slightly declined, those who gave, gave more — a sign that people are doubling down on the causes they care about most.
And it’s not just the global events making waves. More and more organizations are launching their own Giving Days — universities, local nonprofits, community centers. Take Purdue University, for example: their 2024 Giving Day raised over $76 million in just 24 hours. That kind of momentum doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when purpose meets people.
We’re also seeing a bigger role from businesses. Corporate giving has grown by over 14% in the past five years, outpacing other forms of charitable support. And many companies are stepping up through matching gifts and employee-led initiatives, showing that giving isn’t just a personal value — it’s a workplace culture.
One trend that really caught my eye? Organizations are getting strategic. With election seasons crowding communication channels, many are shifting their Giving Days to quieter times of the year to make sure their message cuts through. It’s smart, intentional, and shows just how far the Giving Day model has come.
At the heart of it all, though, Giving Days are about you. Me. Us. Regular people coming together to do something extraordinary.
A Request.
🎉 It’s Giving Day at the University of Utah!
While I’m proud to support all areas across the University of Utah Health, the #NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) holds a very special place in my heart.
If you’re able, I’d be so #grateful if you joined me in #supporting the NICU this #GivingDay. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference for our tiniest patients and their families.
#Give here: uofuhealth.org/NICUGD🙏
or find a cause that you would like to support: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofUtah/giving-day-2025/pages/u-of-u-health
Thank you for considering!
So whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, I hope today you’ll lean into the spirit of giving. Because when we give together, we grow together. And that’s the kind of world I want to be part of.
💛 Here’s to big hearts, bold generosity, and building something beautiful — one gift at a time.
Additional Reading/Sources
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of the University of Utah or any other organization with which the author may be affiliated. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Any references to specific nonprofits, corporations, institutions, services, or products are included for illustrative purposes and do not imply endorsement. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research.
Comments