HBCU Day of Giving
Inaugural winner of the PDFF HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative
I Love My HBCU Day of Giving is an annual fundraising and marketing campaign designed to ensure the financial sustainability and continued success of HBCUs. The idea was developed by Connie Cochran, an HBCU alum with 25 years of experience in alumni relations, 14 of which were spent at Texas Southern University (TSU). Following a successful pilot campaign conducted at TSU in February 2024, a nonprofit organization has been established to launch the project nationwide in 2025.
A Vision Realized: The Impact of An HBCU Day of Giving
When I first saw the registration for the pitch competition sponsored by the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation for the 2023 HBCU Philanthropy Symposium, I was filled with excitement and immediately thought of the impact this could have. My passion for HBCUs and raising funds for scholarships has been a driving force in my career. Over the years, I have often contemplated the idea of HBCUs coming together to raise funds collectively, but the question was always, how?
Attending the annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium, which fosters collaboration and support among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, I witnessed firsthand how HBCUs could work together through engaging sessions and networking opportunities. The symposium set the stage for the pitch competition, bringing the idea to fruition. I could now envision how my concept could become a reality and plan to make a tangible impact on all HBCUs.
Winning this competition has been exciting, allowing me to bring my idea of implementing a collective HBCU Day of Giving to life. Imagine the profound impact of a unified day dedicated to supporting HBCUs nationwide. The HBCU Day of Giving will showcase the collective power of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters, transforming the landscape of higher education. This day will amplify the individual efforts of each HBCU and highlight the incredible collective impact HBCUs have on education, community development, and social justice.
The impact of an HBCU Day of Giving will extend far beyond financial contributions and only HBCU graduates. It will demonstrate the collective influence of HBCUs on local and global communities. The project and day will provide an opportunity to share stories of community service, innovative research, cultural enrichment, and economic development driven by HBCUs. This unified narrative will emphasize the indispensable role of HBCUs in shaping a better future.
The HBCU Day of Giving will be a powerful demonstration of unity and strength. It will amplify financial support, highlight educational excellence, and strengthen community ties to showcase the collective impact of HBCUs. This day will provide essential resources for these historic institutions and reinforce their importance and contributions to society.
The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, renowned for its commitment to empowering and supporting communities, underscores its dedication to fostering philanthropy through this pitch competition. The competition was a highlight of the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential of HBCU professionals to drive societal change through innovative solutions.
Together, we will elevate the HBCU Day of Giving, demonstrating the true power of collective action and collaboration to support students attending these institutions.