Liberty supporters stoke record-breaking numbers during Giving Day 2023

Giving Day 2023, the seventh annual all-day fundraising drive, set a new benchmark of generosity and support for Liberty University on Thursday with $4,530,897 from 5,247 gifts, significantly surpassing the previous record of around $2.9 million.

Each Giving Day, friends of Liberty on campus, in Lynchburg, and throughout the world are invited to donate any amount directly to the campaign of their choice, including academic departments, athletic programs, scholarship funds, and ministry and outreach. There were 115 different campaigns this year. (Visit givingday.liberty.edu for a full list.)

“This Giving Day at LU was truly an amazing and historic event,” Executive Vice President of Development Brian Mentzer said. “I want to share my heartfelt thanks to everyone who ‘fueled the fire’ by supporting current and future generations of Champions for Christ. Thank you for living generously and reflecting the image of our exceedingly generous God through your gifts. We are all tremendously blessed to be a part of the LU Family.”

Those who donated had the chance to participate in various special fundraising challenges, including the Dean’s Excellence Challenge, in which a $21,000 gift was distributed to the top five academic departments receiving the highest donations: School of Aeronautics, John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, School of Business, School of Nursing, and School of Law.

Men’s basketball led the field of athletics programs with $65,055, which earned them an extra $10,000 gift. The other four teams in the top five were women’s lacrosse, football, women’s tennis, and softball.

This year’s Giving Day marked the first to fully implement the Ambassador Program, which allowed individuals to raise money and unlock new prizes at different levels of support.

On Thursday, leaders at Liberty, such as coaches, deans, and vice presidents, drove “cash cab” golf carts around campus throughout the day, asking riders questions about Liberty trivia in return for “Liberty Dollars,” which were then donated to a campaign.

For more opportunities to partner with Liberty University in its mission, visit Liberty.edu/Giving.