Historically Black Colleges and Universities represent just three percent of all colleges and universities in the United States. Yet, they produce 50% of the nation’s teachers, 70% of its doctors and dentists, 80% of federal judges, and 40% of engineers. Their impact on society is immeasurable. Still, despite their critical role, HBCUs continue to face significant funding challenges, relying heavily on tuition and fees. The need for collective action to support these institutions has never been more urgent.

Recognizing this challenge, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation launched the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative to identify and support impactful solutions. Last year, the initiative’s inaugural winner, I Love My HBCU Day of Giving, emerged as a powerful movement championed by Connie L. Cochran, an HBCU graduate, and it has grown from a groundbreaking idea into a nationwide campaign aimed at uniting alumni students, faculty and supporters for a collective day of giving.

Building Momentum for 2025: A National Day of Giving for HBCUs

Following a successful pilot campaign, I Love My HBCU Day of Giving is poised to officially launch at the 2025 HBCU Philanthropy Symposium in July. Building on the enthusiasm and lessons learned from the pilot. This event will unite institutions nationwide to celebrate HBCUs and rally support for their future.

At its core, I Love My HBCU Day of Giving is a simple yet powerful concept: a unified day of giving designed to strengthen connections, foster pride, and amplify the stories of HBCUs. The initiative aims to create a lasting impact by supporting scholarships, student enrollment, endowments, and critical facility upgrades. As the official rollout approaches, preparations are underway for a coordinated nationwide effort to leverage social media influencers and key stakeholders to generate excitement.

Amplifying Alumni Support Through Focused Strategies

The I Love My HBCU Day of Giving campaign will amplify alumni support through key strategies:

  • The campaign will strengthen connections by engaging alumni through events, newsletters, and social media to maintain lasting ties.
  • It showcases achievements by highlighting graduate successes to inspire pride and demonstrate impact.
  • The initiative fosters engagement by providing alumni with opportunities to mentor students, participate in career events, and contribute to academic programs.
  • Targeted fundraising focuses on campaigns that address critical needs such as scholarships and facility upgrades.
  • Additionally, the campaign recognizes contributions through social media marketing and public acknowledgments to foster a culture of giving.

Lessons from the Pilot Campaign

With over two decades of experience leading alumni and fundraising at universities and an HBCU, including serving as Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations at Texas Southern University, Connie L. Cochran has dedicated her career to strengthening the alumni network and raising funds. As an HBCU alum, she has a personal stake in fostering a new era of resource building and engagement. Her passion and expertise have been instrumental in shaping I Love My HBCU Day of Giving into a national movement.

That potential became apparent during the pilot campaign, which provided valuable insights for the nationwide rollout. A social media-driven effort encouraged alumni to share their stories, photos, and love for their HBCU, generating impressive engagement, particularly among younger alumni, a group often overlooked in traditional fundraising. The pilot’s success underscored the initiative’s ability to spark long-term connections and scale across institutions.

“It was a surprise how many people engaged and wanted to talk about their positive experiences,” said Cochran. “It enhanced my passion for an HBCU Day of Giving. There’s never been a unified effort like this before, and I think it’s a pivotal and exciting time to launch this initiative.”

Beyond Fundraising: A Broader Legacy

As the initiative approaches its official rollout, it will focus on preparation and awareness. Participating schools will receive a comprehensive toolkit outlining strategies for alumni outreach, social media engagement, and integration with existing fundraising efforts. Influencers from every HBCU and notable alumni will play a key role in spreading the message and rallying support.

“The impact of an HBCU Day of Giving will extend far beyond financial contributions. It will demonstrate the collective influence of HBCUs on local and global communities,” said Cochran.

“The initiative 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.”

Support PDFF and the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative

The HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative brings together thought leaders, stakeholders, and allies to identify transformative solutions to the biggest challenges facing HBCUs nationwide. Donating to the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation will help bring their visionary ideas to life and support projects that will benefit HBCUs and their communities.

Visit the official webpage for I Love My HBCU Day of Giving to learn more about how you can get involved and help secure the future of HBCUs.