A Tiger Giving Day first: All 45 projects fully funded

Auburn University’s annual day of giving, known as Tiger Giving Day, set a new record: all 45 projects featured were fully funded.

The day, held on April 10, raised more than $740,000 for special initiatives that support students and faculty, as well as local and even global communities. 

Francelle Sanderford, a 1965 alumna, has supported Tiger Giving Day since 2019. 

“I really appreciate Tiger Giving Day and the opportunity it allows me to give to causes that interest me,” she said. “It is also interesting to see the final results and to know I had a part in the success of the event." 

The unique day of giving places an emphasis on grassroots-led projects from across campus. With achievable, single-day funding goals, many programs can meet critical funding needs.

One program experiencing growth because of Tiger Giving Day is Auburn Adapted Athletics, which includes wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and power wheelchair soccer. The project to build a recovery room for athletes raised $37,316 from 243 donors, exceeding its original $25,000 goal. 

“We appreciate all the support from Tiger Giving Day,” said freshman Jude Hiley, a dual athlete in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. “I am always amazed at the Auburn Family coming through to support us. The new recovery suite is going to help us bounce back quickly from hard practices and tournaments. The dynamic compression and protein refueling station will come in clutch. 

“Our adapted athletic program is making its mark, and that is in large part to the support of the Auburn Family and our Tiger Giving Day projects. 

Another program that immediately benefited from Tiger Giving Day was the training clinic in the Auburn University Center for Autism Research, Treatment and Training and Auburn University Psychological Services Center. Its project to expand clinical services for children with autism raised $18,330 from 242 donors, exceeding the original goal of $15,000. 

Associate Clinical Professor and Clinic Director Nadia Bhuiyan shared the project’s impact.

“We are so thankful to our donors,” she said. “Their generosity has already supported clients in seeking autism services just this last week. A few families began and continued services and were immensely grateful to have the fees covered.

“We also had a family proceed with scheduling once they were informed that the costs would be covered through the Tiger Giving Day project. When our families were notified of the generous gift of fully covered services, many caregivers responded with joy and abundant gratitude, never expecting such an outcome for their loved one was possible."

More than 4,240 donors participated in Tiger Giving Day.