Case Study: Brown University achieves a record $3.5M on #GivingTuesday and 63% fundraising growth with Blackbaud solutions

$3.5 Million in 24 Hours How Brown University Achieved #GivingTuesday Triumph

Brown University, a centuries-old Ivy League institution, needed to turn #GivingTuesday momentum into measurable giving by rallying alumni, students, staff, and volunteers across a dispersed community. The challenge was to provide the right technology, clear messaging, and coordinated strategy to make participation easy and compelling.

Using Blackbaud CRM and Blackbaud Internet Solutions, Brown launched a single, real‑time fundraising microsite, unified campaigns (including athletics), equipped 1,000+ volunteers with toolkits, and ran targeted outreach to students and donors. The result: more than 5,000 participants giving over $3.5 million in 24 hours — a 63% year‑over‑year increase and the largest giving day in the university’s history.

Brown University

Jeanne Pecha

Vice President of Advancement Services and Development Support