Northwest College’s fifth annual Giving Day has concluded with another record-breaking effort which saw $233,145 raised from 245 donors. The 24-hour campaign ran from noon on March 20 through noon on March 21, and topped last year’s previous record by more than $57,000 for an increase of more than 32%.

This year’s campaign featured a Giving Day Triple Play, which gave donors the opportunity to have their gift matched not once, but twice thanks to the State of Wyoming and several other generous donors such as Ysaac Amarillas, Dr. Tom and Rita Anderson, Dr. James and Stefanie Bell, Dave and Sue Bonner, Buckle Up for Life Wyoming, Clay and Lynne Cummins, Carolyn Danko, Engineering Associates, Dave Erickson, Dee Havig, Tom and Kristen Havron, R.J. and Caroline Kost, Dan and Denise Laursen, Bryan and Laurie Lee, Bob and Sandy Newsome, Charlotte Patrick, Burt and Ana Reynolds, Ryan Brothers Trucking, and Tom and Lisa Watson.

“Our donors continue to amaze with their generosity in support of this annual campaign. Thank you to the alumni, community and staff who made this year’s Giving Day a true success!” said Cory Ostermiller, development manager for the NWC Foundation & Alumni.

Focal points for this year’s Giving Day were scholarships (more than $128,000 raised), athletic scholarships (more than $35,000), career and technical education scholarships (nearly $25,000), mental health outreach ($10,000), and academic program development (more than $6,000).

In addition, supporters gave nearly $24,000 to 17 other projects for specific programs and groups across campus.

Last Wednesday, NWC President Lisa Watson said the college enjoys a wide array of support from thousands of donors, as opposed to just a few big ones, and is supported by a top tier foundation.

"That says a lot about our community, I think, and it says even more about our college when we get donations and that can people believe in us for that work," she said, adding, "We have an amazing foundation at Northwest College," she said. "It is one of the best in the nation for the size of our community college."

Giving Day was a collaborative effort between the NWC Foundation & Alumni and many academic and program areas across the entire campus. Alumni and friends were engaged through printed mail pieces, social media posts, videos, emails, and the Giving Day website.

The Northwest College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with assets of more than $50 million. The organization was founded by Powell banker R.A. Nelson, incorporated on June 2, 1966, and focuses on producing ongoing revenue for the college from both fundraising activities and investment income on endowments.

To learn more, visit nwc.edu/foundation.

(Zac Taylor contributed reporting)