Giving Day is back at Northeastern and it’s bigger than ever — including four hours of international streaming
One hundred percent of donations go to the faculty, teams, student organizations and academic programs associated with Giving Day — directly helping students and faculty pursue their ambitions.
Food, entertainment and all kinds of activities and giveaways will be offered throughout the Boston campus when Northeastern University’s annual Giving Day opens on Thursday.
But the festival won’t be limited to Huntington Avenue. Giving Day has evolved to include Northeastern’s global network.
Those connections will be fed by an unprecedented four hours of international streaming — known as Giving Day Live — that will bring together all of Northeastern’s 13 global campuses, with on-the-scene reports from several locations.
Part festival, part rally, Northeastern’s eighth Giving Day creates opportunities to support myriad student groups and organizations while investing in the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Northeastern.
“This year Giving Day is more global than it has ever been,” says Lori Jacques, associate vice president of alumni relations and annual giving at Northeastern. “It is recognizing every part of the university system. And it’s all about the students.”
The spirit of Giving Day is fed by students who raise money to support organizations and causes that matter to them. Donations can be made to specific entities or to a general fund for widespread disbursement.
Last year, Giving Day generated record gifts totaling $3.4 million from more than 11,000 donors (in-person and online) representing more than 30 countries.
One hundred percent of donations go to the faculty, teams, student organizations and academic programs associated with Giving Day — directly helping students and faculty pursue their ambitions. Some 630 student organizations received donations last year.
The passion for Giving Day inspired the creation of Giving Day Live, says Leila Eid, executive director of creative experience and digital engagement at Northeastern.
“Giving Day Live helps to connect what’s happening online with what’s happening on campus,” Eid says. “It’s like ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’ meets a classic Jerry Lewis telethon. Students representing various entrepreneurial organizations are going to get a few minutes to talk about their organization.”
As part of Giving Day Live, Sam Iannone, a second-year student in business administration and management, will be roaming the Boston campus to host live scene-setters at the quads.
“In addition we will be zooming into other campuses to show what’s happening there,” Eid says.
Giving Day Live can be accessed from the official Giving Day page.
There will be Giving Day activities at every Northeastern campus. Interviews with students in London will be showcased on Giving Day Live. In Oakland, a mid-day mini carnival will be held on campus.
This Giving Day has already set a record with more than 100 challenges, which add a sense of urgency to the fundraising.
For example: If Women Who Empower receives gifts from 100 or more donors by midnight Thursday, then its Innovator Awards fund will receive $100,000.
Likewise, Northeastern’s cultural centers will benefit from a $20,000 bonus if they receive gifts from 175 donors.
The first $25,000 raised for Northeastern Hillel will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to generous donations from two families with Northeastern students graduating in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Northeastern varsity sports programs inspire a wellspring of activity on Giving Day. If the Huskies swimming and diving team receives gifts from 100 donors, an anonymous benefactor has committed $100,000 to renovate the team’s locker room.
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Donations from 150 people to the baseball team will unlock a $25,000 bonus from Friends of Northeastern Baseball. A similar bonus from the Northeastern University Rowing Association will be made if the men’s rowing team earns donations from 300 people.
Based on the number of donations, a variety of club sports teams are hoping to realize large bonuses — including $30,000 to the Club Fencing team (courtesy of the Canney family) and $21,500 to men’s Club Ultimate Frisbee (with thanks to a group of six donors).
Among many other challenges, the three club sports teams with the most donors and largest increase among donors will receive bonuses totaling $10,000.
In terms of academic challenges, a total of $80,000 is up for grabs among (1) the colleges that realize the largest increase in donors and (2) colleges that raise at least $10,000 by 8 p.m. on Giving Day.
An array of academic options are on offer, including a dollar-for-dollar matching to the Dr. Mary J. Hickey Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund from her daughters, Julia Kapp and Kate Minto (up to $10,000).
In Boston, activities are planned for all of the major quads on campus, with Centennial Common serving as the stage for Giving Day Live from noon to 4 p.m. Be sure to get there early: Starting at 10 a.m., there will be snacks, music, games and giveaways (while supplies last) available at Centennial Common.
Other destinations on the Boston campus include:
- Snell Library Courtyard, featuring music, athletics games, “Pie a Husky” with Northeastern student-athletes and coaches — and a visit from Paws (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
- Krentzman Quad, serving as a showcase for student organizations (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Snell Library Alumni Reading Room, where students may write thank you notes to donors at a Thank-a-Thon (4 to 6 p.m.).
Additionally, West Village Quad will serve as a donor zone, where a donation of any amount will provide access to lunch, snacks and games (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). A nighttime beer garden will be available at West Village Quad for Northeastern seniors who are graduating in 2025.
