24-Hour Online Giving Event is Set to Build College’s Scholarship Funds
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) knows first-hand the generosity that thrives within the Southern Maryland community. For the past five years, CSM has seen this remarkable giving spirit as people step forward on Giving Tuesday with gifts large and small to support local community college students working toward degrees, certificates or mastery of a new skill set.
“The participation across the region is amazing to me,” said CSM Foundation Chair Nancy Hempstead, noting that corporate sponsors, area residents, college staff and numerous students participate. “It always warms my heart, the community support for this event.”
An international day of generosity, Giving Tuesday follows Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday and focuses on philanthropy and giving to others after those days of frenzied consumerism. The 24-hour online giving event is scheduled this year for Tuesday, Nov. 28. While this is primarily an online giving event, donors can also mail in their donation dated Nov. 28.
“Giving Tuesday is one of those days that just helps you put into perspective the meaning of giving,” said CSM Foundation Event Chair Brenda Lowe. “As you move into what can sometimes be considered a frantic holiday season, it is a great time to donate to CSM and help provide scholarship opportunities to hundreds of students.
“Giving Tuesday is the biggest 24-hour online giving day of the year around the world,” Lowe added. “What a wonderful way to start off the holiday gift-giving season.”
One feature of Giving Tuesday that makes it an ideal time to give to the college is the opportunity to donate to a matching scholarship fund. Several generous donors have already pledged to match gifts made to their scholarships, dollar for dollar, on Giving Tuesday. “A donation to a matching fund automatically doubles the donation’s impact, Lowe said.
CSM Foundation Director Linda Cox and her family established the Cox Family Memorial Scholarship at CSM and for the past two years has set up matching funds for those donating to her scholarship during Giving Tuesday.
“My late husband and I both shared the belief that higher education should be affordable to every individual,” Cox said. “The Cox Family Memorial Scholarship is available not only to students pursuing a full-time degree but to those who can attend part time so that anyone who desires to take their education to the next level, learn a trade, or fit school into their schedule, can do so. Giving Tuesday is a wonderful vehicle that brings attention to charities in communities on a local and national level. As a CSM alumnae, I am proud to participate in facilitating scholarship monies to deserving members of my community.”
Last year’s Giving Tuesday event at CSM also served as the CSM Foundation’s public launch of its “Make An Impact” campaign. The campaign, “Make An Impact: Invest Today to Transform Tomorrow,” surpassed its initial goal of $10 million and challenged the community to help raise another $2 million by 2018, when the college will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The campaign is focused on three major initiatives — scholarships; technology and facilities; and entrepreneurship and innovation.
“Our main focus this year is raising scholarship funds because the need is so great,” said CSM Director of Development Chelsea Brown. Nevertheless, donors can also opt to give toward other CSM needs, including the Athletic Department’s efforts to renovate its baseball field.
Students seeking scholarship assistance at CSM can learn about all the scholarships that match their circumstances by using the college’s Scholarship Finder at www.csmd.edu/scholarship-finder. In addition, students can view all available scholarships at the same site. For additional information or assistance, contact the Financial Assistance Department at 301-934-7531. Applications for spring scholarships will be accepted through Nov. 15, although students are encouraged to apply early for best consideration.
For information on Giving Tuesday at CSM or to donate during the event, visit http://Foundation.csmd.edu/GivingTuesday.
Calendar
CSM Foundation Giving Tuesday. Nov. 28. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Foundation will join colleges and nonprofits around the world to celebrate generosity by participating in Giving Tuesday, a 24-hour online giving event. Make an impact in the community by donating to CSM scholarships and programs. Gifts of every size will help transform lives. You may choose to double your impact by donating to a matching fund. For more information or to donate on Nov. 28, visit http://Foundation.csmd.edu/GivingTuesday.