SPOTLIGHT

Donor Impact Doubled on Sixth Annual UW Giving Day

The University of Wyoming’s sixth annual UW Giving Day broke new records, with more than double the number of donors and double the number of dollars received.

“This event continues to grow year after year,” says Jack Tennant, the UW Foundation’s director of annual giving. “Each year’s growth of donors and dollars means more and more impact across campus. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

This year’s UW Giving Day raised $840,602 in gifts and pledges from 2,409 donors in 48 states and six countries. That’s up from last year’s total of $410,000 in annual gifts -- plus $1.2 million in major gifts -- from 1,110 donors.

The theme this year was “24 Means More,” highlighting the impact a single 24-hour period can have on the university. Due in part to UW’s COVID-19 phase plan, UW Giving Day was moved from Giving Tuesday to mid-November and ran from noon to noon, rather than midnight to midnight.

More than $250,000 in matching and challenge funds were available for donors to double the impact of their gifts and/or help unlock a challenge gift for a campaign -- more than ever before. This included $50,000 from the UW Foundation Board of Directors to match gifts starting at noon Nov. 12. This fund was matched by donors in less than 15 minutes.

UW Launches Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation

Wyoming is a pioneer state known for firsts. In recent years, the state passed groundbreaking legislation to create a regulatory environment to foster blockchain application growth and diversify the economy. To aid this effort and train the upcoming workforce, the University of Wyoming is launching a new Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation.

Simply put, blockchain is a digital record of transactions in which each transaction added to the chain is validated by multiple computers. Blockchain technology enables cryptocurrencies and digital assets but also has many other uses, such as supply chain management and payment systems. Many large companies already use the technology, but blockchain and cryptocurrencies will become much more ubiquitous in everyday life.

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Our Deepest Appreciation

We are grateful for those who have given so much for the benefit of our students, our community, and the state of Wyoming. Because of you, we face these unprecedented times with courage and optimism. You are the epitome of the Cowboy Spirit, and we cannot thank you enough for the trust you have shown in Wyoming’s university.

STATEMENT ON COVID-19

On behalf of the University of Wyoming Foundation Board of Directors and our dedicated staff, we hope you and your family are safe and well. Like many of you, the UW Foundation is closely monitoring the situation related to coronavirus/COVID-19. Our priorities are the health of our community, caring for our team, and supporting our donors and alumni family.

The UW Foundation remains fully operational. Staff members are available via teleconferencing, email, and phone to assist you with any inquiries or questions. You can contact us through our main line at (307) 766-6300 or toll free at (888) 831-7795. Email us at foundation@uwyo.edu. As more information becomes available each day, the UW Foundation will adjust our operations in accordance with guidance from the University of Wyoming.

For the latest information on COVID-19-related matters and what the fall semester will look like, check UW’s official Campus Return page.