By Eric Gallippo | Art by Adam Beeman
Thousands of donors joined together last month to give more than $1 million for University of Michigan projects, causes, and student organizations as part of Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
On Dec. 3, 2024, more than 4,000 donors gave $1.2 million to fully support close to 50 projects across the university, from Adaptive Sports and Fitness to the Army ROTC Training Battalion and UM-Dearborn’s student food pantry to the Michigan Mock Trial club.
“The generosity of our Michigan community and its commitment to working together is truly inspiring, especially as we move forward with our Look to Michigan campaign to support what’s next at U‑M, and beyond,” said Vice President for Development Tom Baird.
The Sa’ Nima’ Collaborative cleared its goal of raising enough funds to build six ventilated, wood burning stoves in San Cristóbal Verapaz, Guatemala, before noon on Giving Tuesday. The student-led team works with a local non-governmental organization on sustainable development projects in the region.
“This experience reaffirmed what I have always known—the University of Michigan community cares deeply about its students and the impact they make around the world,” said Team Co-leader Lauren Montigue.
Part of U‑M’s BlueLAB student organization, Sa’ Nima’ relies on private support to buy materials for its household engineering solutions and educational outreach programming, including safer methods for home cooking and STEM workshops for children, Montigue said.
“Since our team does not receive a fixed annual budget, donations play a crucial role in sustaining our work,” she said. “These contributions are invaluable—not only to our team, but to the families whose lives they directly impact.”
Nearly $50,000 in additional funds were raised for U‑M projects through donor-funded matching and challenge dollars made available throughout the day. Those additional funds helped push Michigan Medicine’s Reach Out and Read program over its goal of $3,000 to purchase “indestructible,” rip-proof, washable books to share with caretakers of young readers during well-child visits.
“I’m always in awe of how the U‑M community can rally around a cause to help it move forward,” said Madeline Tripp, development officer with Michigan Medicine. “With this extra support, more books can be provided to more families in Southeastern Michigan, further expanding the reach of this program and the reach of U‑M.”
