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Emporia Today
By the People, for the People
Emporia State Raises Record $321,000 in Annual Fundraiser
The university's fifth annual Day of Giving saw a massive increase in donations compared to previous years.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Emporia State University raised a record-breaking $321,049.63 in its fifth annual Day of Giving fundraiser, more than tripling the previous record of $99,000 set in 2025. The university credits its 'bold, all-in approach' that included allowing donors to personalize their gifts, increasing outreach and visibility, and leveraging social media to drive participation.
Why it matters
The record-breaking fundraising haul will provide critical support for Emporia State's programs, scholarships, and campus enhancements, benefiting current and future students. The university's ability to nearly quadruple its previous donation record demonstrates the strong commitment and generosity of the Emporia community.
The details
Despite setting a goal of $250,000 with a $300,000 stretch target, Emporia State surpassed both, receiving 698 individual donations totaling $321,049.63. The average gift was $321, and the largest single donation was $25,000. For the first time, donors were able to direct their gifts to specific schools, programs, or scholarship funds, rather than a general university fund. This personalized approach, along with increased marketing and social media outreach, helped drive the record-breaking results.
- The Day of Giving officially commenced on February 11, 2026.
- Early giving opened on February 4, 2026, allowing donors a week to make their gifts.
The players
Emporia State University
A public university located in Emporia, Kansas, known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success.
Brandy Clarke
The assistant director for annual giving at the Emporia State University Foundation.
What they’re saying
“We chose our initial goal because we wanted to aim high. Yes, it was aspirational, given last year we did not top $100,000. But, Hornet Nation came together and we topped both goals! We believed and trusted that Hornet Nation would step up to the plate if we generated the excitement and the value of an event like Day of Giving.”
— Brandy Clarke, Assistant Director for Annual Giving, Emporia State University Foundation (esubulletin.com)
“This approach recognized that many Hornets have connections to more than one part of campus. Someone might have been a student-athlete and a Music major and now they didn't have to choose. Donors could support multiple areas that shaped their ESU experience, and many did.”
— Brandy Clarke, Assistant Director for Annual Giving, Emporia State University Foundation (esubulletin.com)
“We could not have done this without Hornet Nation. Our donors included alumni, faculty, staff, students, friends of the university, and community members who all came together for one purpose: to strengthen Emporia State University. Because of their generosity, current students will see impact through scholarships, programs, and campus enhancements. And future Hornets who haven't even set foot on campus yet will benefit from opportunity created on Day of Giving. That is the power of coming together for a common purpose.”
— Brandy Clarke, Assistant Director for Annual Giving, Emporia State University Foundation (esubulletin.com)
What’s next
The Emporia State University Foundation and administration are already planning to build on this year's success, with plans to create a physical 'hub' on campus during next year's Day of Giving to allow the community to engage with the fundraising effort in real-time.
The takeaway
Emporia State University's record-breaking Day of Giving fundraiser demonstrates the power of community engagement, personalized giving opportunities, and strategic marketing to drive transformative philanthropic support for a university's priorities. This model could serve as an inspiration for other institutions looking to significantly grow their annual giving campaigns.
