The Power of Giving: Why Supporting Your University Matters

SHU’s Giving Day offers many ways to contribute

When you think about giving to a university, large endowments or significant gifts may immediately come to mind. And while major gifts make a significant impact, there are many ways to contribute.

During Sacred Heart University’s Giving Day, which kicks off at noon, Wednesday, April 2, and ends 24 hours later at noon, Thursday, April 3, there will be plenty of opportunities to show your support.

Whether you are an alum, parent or simply someone who values education and the college experience, your support—big and small—plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of the University and supporting its students. Collectively, gifts help to shape the future of a school’s commitment to quality education, cultural opportunities, competitive athletic programs and career preparedness.

Donations from individuals, corporations and foundations enhance programs, support critical research, create new opportunities for students and help universities provide a better educational experience. They also can ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent talented students from pursuing their dreams.

Read on to learn the many ways you can contribute during Sacred Heart’s annual Giving Day fundraising event and support the future of education for today’s and tomorrow’s Pioneers.

Provide Academic and Career Support

Across Sacred Heart’s five colleges and three schools, contributions will help Sacred Heart support the formation of the whole person in mind, body and spirit and to provide the education and training for success in the workforce. Whether you want to support students pursuing a career in health care or those who are preparing to create the tools and devices of tomorrow (and many other achievers in between), your gift will have a lasting impact.

Enhance Student Activities

From its robust performing arts program to its many clubs and organizations, Sacred Heart provides students with outlets for enrichment and study. Then there are the 33 Division I athletic teams and 36 intercollegiate club sports teams. Contributions provide resources to facilitate student success on the stage, in competition, in the classroom and throughout the community.

Strengthen Community Resources

From the concerts and special events that grace the stage at Sacred Heart’s Community Theatre in downtown Fairfield and the innovative teaching and learning that take place daily at Sacred Heart’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium to the academic and enrichment opportunities offered by the Horizons program at SHU and the high-quality public broadcasting delivered by WSHU Public Radio, your gifts can support resources that connect the school with surrounding communities.

Through these resources and others, your contributions help advance educational opportunities, inform and entertain the community and inspire tomorrow’s innovations and innovators.

Contribute to the Fund for Excellence

Ready to support multiple initiatives? Sacred Heart University’s Fund for Excellence supports nearly every program, student and department on campus. The name sums it up. It’s an opportunity to help students reach their highest potential wherever that drive takes them. It also provides the University with the flexibility to address the most urgent and immediate needs.

What’s Your Impact?

Your gift to the University will have a ripple effect for years to come. Here’s how last year helped to make a difference. Contributions allow Sacred Heart to fund scholarships, improve academic programs, support innovative research, provide resources that empower students and offer opportunities for success after graduation.

With your help, students thrive, and knowledge grows.

Thinking of contributing beyond Giving Day?

After Giving Day is done, there are still many opportunities to support Sacred Heart. Are you considering planned or legacy gifts? Thinking about establishing an endowment or endowed scholarship? Does your company have a matching gifts program? You can learn answers to those questions and more by visiting Sacred Heart’s University Advancement webpage, emailing give@sacredheart.edu or by calling 203-365-4183.