One Ball State Day, Ball State University’s 24-hour online fundraising event, was recently recognized once again for its positive impact made in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One Ball State Day (OBSD) was the winner of two Council for Advancement and Support for Excellence (CASE) 2020 Circle of Excellence Awards, which acknowledge superior accomplishments that have lasting impact, demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, and deliver exceptional results in academics.
One of nearly 3,000 global entries among 100 award categories, OBSD was awarded a Gold award in “Marketing: Campaign — Fundraising,” and a Silver award in “Fundraising Flash Campaigns.”
Lola Mauer, associate vice president of strategy at the Ball State University Foundation, said she is honored by the recognition, especially given the challenges presented by the pandemic last year.
“2020 was a unique time globally,” Ms. Mauer said. “Giving day was almost canceled, and we didn’t know how the promotion of One Ball State Day would be perceived. Ball State forged ahead in order to support the students relying on financial support and to give our constituents a chance to make their gift.”
Each year the CASE Circle of Excellence Awards recognize hundreds of institutions whose talented staff members advanced their institutions through innovative, inspiring, and creative ideas, aligning with the University’s strategic goals for OBSD.
“We strive to be innovative, inspiring, and creative with how we promote One Ball State Day to our constituents,” said Amanda Holmquist, senior director of annual giving at the Ball State University Foundation. “This recognition solidifies our efforts while also showcasing our ability to deliver exceptional results during even the most challenging times.”
The inaugural One Ball State Day was held in 2019, which resulted in more than $425,000 raised for scholarships, academic programs, and student organizations. But last year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University shifted its fundraising efforts to focus on Ball State students facing extraordinary financial needs, specifically highlighting the Jack Beyerl Student Emergency Aid and Take Flight funds.
The Jack Beyerl Student Emergency Aid provides financial assistance to students who experience accidents, illnesses, financial hardships, or other personal emergencies that negatively affect their ability to remain enrolled. The Take Flight Fund supports students whose ability to enroll in classes or graduate on time may be at risk due to demonstrated financial need.
Last year’s OBSD resulted in more than 6,300 gifts totaling nearly $534,000, with a year-over-year increase in participation by graduates, employees, students, and parents. Gifts were received from all 50 states and five countries. In January, that success was recognized when OBSD received the platinum award from CASE, the global non-profit association’s top honor.
One Ball State Day carried the momentum of its success in 2020 into another record-breaking effort in 2021. Held on April 6, this year’s OBSD resulted in more than 10,000 total gifts totaling more than $900,000.
To date, One Ball State Day, which has raised more than $1.7 million in its three years, has been recognized with 11 regional and national CASE awards.
Gifts made during the annual 24-hour fundraiser are vital to advancing Ball State’s strategic priorities. This generous philanthropy will help continue to transform Ball State’s campus and community by supporting students, faculty and staff, programs, athletics, and more.
Those who wish to make a gift to Ball State University can always do so by visiting bsu.edu/give.