Every dollar counts: The impact of collective giving at CU Boulder
When it comes to philanthropy, it’s easy to get caught up in the multimillion-dollar donations that often make headlines. While these gifts are undeniably transformative, every gift — large and small — adds value.
Whether $50, $100 or $1,000, every contribution to CU Boulder is meaningful and impactful. In fiscal year 2024, the Student Emergency Fund received almost 300 gifts, adding over $80,000 to help students facing unexpected financial hardships. Together, gifts like these are part of a larger, collective force that builds the foundation for innovation and student success.
One of the most impactful demonstrations of collective giving at CU Boulder is , our annual giving day on March 6, 2025.
Giving fuels critical programs
When you contribute to CU Boulder, it’s the act of giving that matters most. Your generosity helps fund scholarships, research excellence and dynamic campus and community programs that enhance students’ lives and drive innovation locally and globally.
For example, student scholarships help make higher education accessible and allow students to focus on their studies, not their financial worries. Funding key research fuels groundbreaking discoveries that address real-world challenges. And contributions to student programs help create a more connected campus that reflects CU Boulder’s values.
Individual contributions of all sizes fund critical programs — supporting students, attracting top faculty and promoting belonging.
Small gifts, big impact
Even the smallest contributions add up to make a big difference. Here are three funds where collective generosity directly impacts students:
- : Supports the university’s priorities and operations to ensure students, faculty and staff have what they need to learn, teach and innovate to enhance CU Boulder’s overall impact.
- : Assists students facing unexpected financial hardships, helping them stay on track to achieve their academic goals.
- : Expands access to education by providing long-term financial support to students so they can focus on their classes and research and pursue their academic dreams.
Every dollar given to these funds plays a role in shaping the future of CU Boulder students, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Buffs All In inspires collective impact
During , the CU Boulder community celebrates giving and the heart of being a Buff.
Buffs All In magnifies the power of individual contributions through the collective action of thousands of alumni, donors, faculty, staff and families — working together to make an extraordinary impact. Look for challenge gifts where you can contribute to a joint effort and make your gift go even further.
“Each contribution to Buffs All In is a powerful step toward transforming lives,” said Katy Herbert Kotlarczyk, vice chancellor for advancement at CU Boulder. “Whether large or small, every dollar has the power to inspire, open doors and create lasting impact.
“When the Buffs community works together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.”
You can be part of this transformational day. Give to .