Mary Baldwin has raised more than $2.7 million in new gifts and commitments since July with 10% more donor support this year compared to last
When President Jeff Stein arrived on campus as the university’s 10th president, he was struck by the community’s commitment to the spirit of MBU. Alumni, faculty, staff, and students noticed how “all in” Stein was for Mary Baldwin, too.
From its beginning as an email closing from the new president, “all in” has become part rallying cry, part guiding light for fall 2023, and has marked a year of investment in the future for the MBU community, campus, and students.
To bridge the gap after the major fundraising campaign, MBU Empowers, and start Stein’s tenure off with vigor, the All In Campaign has taken center stage.
“We have set out this semester to build engagement and trust within the alumni and donor community. We are asking our community to re-commit and be intentionally involved in Mary Baldwin’s future,” said Mary Harvey, interim vice president for advancement. “Our alumni and donors will be an integral part of our upcoming strategic planning process and we are excited to offer new ways to give back that are not just financial.”
Focused on four main areas of support — scholarships, campus renovation, internship grants, and unrestricted funds — All In enables the donor community to make the greatest impact for MBU’s current and future students, and for enhancing this historic institution with future-forward initiatives.
So far, Mary Baldwin has raised more than $2.7 million since July of this year toward these four areas which is 76% ahead of dollars raised this time last year, less a handful of unrepeatable and deferred gifts On top of that, 10% more donors have gotten involved so far this year compared to last.
By providing students with internship support through the newly-founded McCree Center for Life Success, scholarships to continue their education, and strategic updates and renovations to campus, donations help to carry forward the spirit of dedicated community support and innovation for years to come.
According to Joseph Debraggio, director of annual giving, this year has been exciting for MBU: “By offering the opportunity to support more specific priority areas, we were hoping that supporters would resonate with our needs, and they have. We have seen a 65% increase in first time donors, a 26% increase in alumni and donor event attendance, and a 74% increase in funds raised for our annual Fall Appeal.”
As part of the All In Campaign, Mary Baldwin’s recent Giving Tuesday effort focused on supporting the university’s growing athletic programs and saw a 118% increase in dollars raised as compared to last year on Giving Tuesday. The university’s Season of Giving continues with New Year Cheer, welcoming students with a free coffee bar on the Staunton and Fishersville campuses upon their return for the spring semester.
There is still time to be “all in” and help make 2023 a historic year for MBU giving! Give now to be recognized at New Year Cheer 2024.