Florida A&M University (FAMU) National Alumni Association (NAA) received more than $500,000 in donations during a weekend fundraising effort as part of Founders’ Day activities.
The response has been so positive that NAA President Col. Greg Clark said the campaign is being extended for the rest of October.
“Money is still coming in. We are going to keep the birthday link up for the rest of the month,” Clark said. “Because of the love and admiration they have for FAMU, people just want to continue to give.”
Clark said the NAA will be coordinating with University Advancement staff to convey the message that alumni and other supporters can still give. He said $45,000 was donated during one day of online giving, mostly from $133 donations.
“There are people who never gave to FAMU before. Actually, we are in a position to drive up the giving percentage,” Clark said.
On Oct. 3, administration officials celebrated 133 years since the University was founded. The NAA held a virtual Leadership Summit along with the fundraiser.
The push comes in an attempt to make up for the shortfall in fundraising and revenues that would normally accompany homecoming festivities, especially the homecoming game, canceled due to the global pandemic.
Money raised will to go to the Athletics Department, FAMU CARES, a program to meet a variety of student needs, and the NAA’s Save Our Students scholarship program, which provides financial aid to enable seniors to pay off outstanding fees so they could enroll and graduate.
FAMU is graded on its four-year graduation rate as part of the Florida Board of Governors Performance Based Funding metrics.
Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement, said the fundraising will make a big difference in the lives of students.
“We are humbled and encouraged by, and thankful for, the support of our alumni,” Friday-Stroud said. “Their generosity during these trying times is greatly appreciated. These donations will go a long way to meeting student needs and enabling their success.”
For more information visit https://famunaa.org.
