Elon is gearing up for its annual day of giving on March 7, with 24 hours full of fun both on campus and around the globe.
Elon Day, the university’s annual day of giving, will be celebrated on campus and around the world on Thursday, March 7.
For the 11th annual Elon Day, alumni, parents, students and friends are invited to make gifts of any size and show their pride by wearing Elon gear and using #ElonDay on social media.
Since Elon Day began in 2014, it has inspired donors to give more than 45,000 gifts and $19 million in total. Collectively, these donors have provided millions of dollars in scholarships for students, as well as additional resources for the university’s academic schools, athletics programs, Elon Experiences like global study and internships, students organizations, and more.
As in years past, those who sign up as Elon Day Champions will help drive the momentum and success of the day. Each year, these volunteers encourage their own Elon networks to make gifts and spread the word about special giving incentives that will be offered to donors. This year, Elon is also offering a new volunteer role called the Elon Day Amplifier. Learn more about both short-term volunteer roles.
During Elon Day, donors will have the opportunity to compete for a series of Bonus Bucks in which they can complete different challenges for a chance to win extra dollars for the campus cause of their choice. Bonus Bucks have been generously provided by the following Elon donors: Ferris and Beth Way ’97, Mike Proctor ’98 and Jaime Proctor ’00, Mark James ’83, John Marshall ‘01 and many other generous, anonymous supporters.
The Bonus Bucks series includes:
EARLY | Sparking Impact: Ignite The Future (March 1 – March 7)
Share a photo capturing your favorite Elon moment and tell us what this year’s theme of “Igniting the Future for Students” means to you. Post on Facebook or Instagram using #ElonDay and make sure to shout out the specific designation you plan to support. One winner from each platform will be chosen to unlock a bonus $500 for their favorite designation.
EARLY | Global Giving: Elon Abroad Edition (March 4 – March 7)
Elon alumni, parents, students & friends studying or living abroad – you told us and we hear you! You sometimes need more time to make your Elon Day gift due to limitations and regulations in the countries you call home. Starting Monday, March 4, you can make your Elon Day gift in advance and email your receipt to elonday@elon.edu. By doing so, you may be selected to unlock an additional $500 for the Elon designation closest to your heart. Questions on how to make your gift while abroad? Email Daniel Castillo ’21, Coordinator of Annual Giving, at jcastillo3@elon.edu, or text on What’sApp 1-828-750-3861. Let’s make Elon’s impact global!
ALL DAY | Family Giving Frenzy: Multiply Your Impact on Elon Day
Celebrate the power of family during Elon Day! When three or more of your family members make a gift, email elonday@elon.edu with their names. One family will be chosen to unlock an extra $1,000 to their favorite designation. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. EST, so make sure to get your family’s support in early. Bonus points awarded for alumni couples joining the cause!
ALL DAY | We are the (Elon Day) Champions, My Friend
Attention Elon Day Champions, you are the heartbeat of our community. Make your own gift and achieve your dollar and donor goals to be eligible for a chance to unlock an extra $500 for your chosen designation. At 9 p.m. EST, two outstanding Champions will be randomly selected as winners. Your dedication fuels the Elon spirit!
ALL DAY | Phind the Phoenix Scavenger Hunt
Students, keep an eye out for clues on SUB/Student Involvement social media for the Phind the Phoenix scavenger hunt. Locate one of the hidden Phoenix photos and bring it to the Martin Alumni Center where you’ll unlock an extra $200 to give to your favorite campus designation PLUS receive a Phoenix bobblehead. Stay tuned for clues on SUB/Student Involvement social and be quick on your feet – there are only 6 chances to win! Ready, set, GO!
ALL DAY | Paws and Phoenix Pride (Facebook & Instagram)
Let your furry friends join the Elon Day celebration! Share a photo of your pet sporting Elon gear on Facebook or Instagram with #ElonDay. Don’t forget to mention the specific area of campus you’re supporting. One winner will be chosen at 8 p.m. EST from each platform to unlock $500 for the designation of their choice.
ALL DAY | Golden Legacy: 50+ Years of Elon Pride
Elon’s Golden Alumni, your enduring connection has shaped Elon’s legacy, and now it’s your time to shine! Two members of this esteemed group who make their Elon Day gift will be randomly selected to unlock $500 for their favorite designations. Winners will be chosen at 8 p.m. EST.
ALL DAY | Never Back Down, Never What!? – Just for Former Student Athletes
It’s time to lace up those shoes and compete once again! Elon Athletics challenges YOU to show your team spirit. The team that achieves the highest percentage of former student-athlete donors on Elon Day will unlock an additional $2,000 of support for their team. Please include “FSA – <Sport>” in the comments section of your gift. Winners will be announced on Friday, March 8.
ALL DAY | Phoenix Parents
Just for student-athlete parents! We haven’t forgotten about the vital role you play! This challenge is just for you, the proud parents of student-athletes. The team that achieves the highest percentage of student-athlete parent donors on Elon Day will unlock an additional $2,000 of support for their student’s team. Please include “SA Parent – <Sport>” in the comments section of your gift. Winners will be announced on Friday, March 8.
HOURLY | Early Squirrels Get the Cash: Midnight to 5 a.m.
Set your alarms and gear up! The designation that receives the most gifts between midnight and 5 a.m. EST will unlock a bonus $1,000 thanks to early support on Elon Day. Gather your early morning (or late night?) squad, spread the word, and let’s see how many friends you can rally to ensure your favorite designation emerges victorious!
HOURLY | Senior Success, Just for ‘24
Hey Class of 2024! One senior Elon Day donor will be chosen at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. 2, p.m. and 3 p.m. to unlock an extra $100 for their favorite designation. But that’s not all! Two additional winners will be announced during the Senior Toast event at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall. Plus, all winners will receive a special shout-out from the mic at the event. Make your mark!
HOURLY | College Coffee FOMO for Young Alums: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Classes of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, Feeling the College Coffee FOMO? We’ve got you covered! Make your gift from 9 – 10:30 a.m. EST, and you might just unlock an extra $500 for your chosen designation. 1 winner will be chosen per class. As a bonus treat, we’ll also send each winner an Elon coffee mug to brighten your morning.
HOURLY | Elon College Throwback Lunch Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m
Calling all Fighting Christians – this one’s for you! Two lucky alumni donors who graduated before 2000 will be chosen to unlock an extra $500 for their chosen designation. But wait, there’s more! Ten alumni donors from this era will be randomly selected to receive some exclusive alumni swag mailed straight to their doorstep.
HOURLY | GOLD Rush: Give It Away Happy Hour (Classes of 2014-2023): 4 to 7 p.m.
Hey Graduates of the Last Decade (Classes of 2014-2023), it’s your time! Make your mark during our special Give It Away Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST! One winner will be chosen from each class to unlock an extra $200 for their favorite designation. Take it away classes of 2014 – 2023.
HOURLY | Powering Potential: Elevate Student-Athletes: 7 to 8 p.m.
Join the roster of Phoenix Club donors and fuel the fire of success for Elon student-athletes! With your support, we can provide the resources and opportunities necessary for our athletes to excel academically and athletically. One lucky donor who gives between 7 and 8 p.m. to the Phoenix Club will unlock an additional $1,000 for student-athlete support.
HOURLY | Reunited and It Feels So Good: 7 to 9 p.m.
It’s time to celebrate the bonds that withstand the test of time! From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST, members from the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019, your reunion is here. Make a gift during this window just for you, and one lucky donor from each class reunion will unlock a bonus $250 for their chosen designation.
HOURLY | Most Faculty and Staff Gifts: Morning (9 to 10 a.m.) & Evening (10 to 11 p.m.) College Coffees
Elon’s faculty and staff are exceptional, so this bonus is just for them! The area that receives the most employee gifts between the hours of 9 and 10 a.m. (1st winner) AND 10 and 11 p.m. EST (2nd winner) will unlock a bonus $1,000 each. Elon’s strength lies in its exceptional faculty and staff, and this Bonus Buck is our way of celebrating your impact.
HOURLY | Most Parent and Grandparent Gifts: 8 to 10 p.m.
Join us for the grand finale! From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST, we invite parents and grandparents to show their maroon and gold spirit. The designation receiving the most gifts from this group will earn a spectacular bonus of $1,000. We can’t wait to see which cause will shine the brightest in this final stretch. Let’s finish strong!
HOURLY | Alumni Procrastinators Unite: 9 p.m. to midnight
We appreciate your fashionably late style! From 9 p.m. to midnight EST, make your gift and be part of the final push. The designation with the most gifts from alumni between 9 p.m. and midnight will secure a bonus $1,500 for late-night support on Elon Day. But wait, there’s more! 25 alumni donors will be randomly selected to receive some exclusive Elon swag mailed straight to their doorstep. Let’s make this late-night rally unforgettable!
Elon Day will also include alumni events around the world, in addition to events held on campus for students, faculty and staff. Visit the Elon Day events page to see a full list of Elon Day events with times and locations.
Learn more about how you can participate in Elon Day at elon.edu/elonday. You can also follow @elonuniversity on X, Instagram and Facebook for exciting news and updates.
Questions? Please email elonday@elon.edu or call (877) 784-ELON (3566).