Trapper pride was abundant on Northwest College’s first Giving Day. Thursday’s event, which aimed to raise critical funding and ensure the sustainability of NWC, marked the start of a new annual tradition.

During this 24-hour giving blitz, 464 individuals donated $107,435 in support of scholarships (50%), athletics (18%) and instructional technology, the student center (13%), career and technical education development (9%), plus other campus support (9%).

For every 50 donors, a $5,000 bonus was unlocked and added to the total Giving Day donations. Not only was the original goal of 250 donors nearly doubled, but all five $5,000 bonuses were unlocked early in the evening. Challenge sponsors included Clay and Lynne Cummins of Billings, Montana, Powell Community Foundation, Richard Walsh and Jennifer DeWitt Walsh from Amsterdam, Netherlands, Paul Stock Foundation and Yellowstone Motors. 

“I was really pleased with the response to Giving Day as a first-time venture,” NWC Foundation Executive Director Shelby Wetzel said. “It seemed to capture people’s emotion and provide them a way to show they care about Northwest.” 

Giving Day was a collaborative effort between the NWC Foundation & Alumni and many areas across campus. Together, they raised awareness about the event and participated in social media departmental challenges.

Donors outside the campus community were engaged through printed mail pieces, social media posts, the Giving Day website and a video. 

Those who chose to give online had the option of sharing positive messages and stories about their own experiences at NWC. 

“The messages spoke of pride and of faculty and experiences at NWC that shaped the lives of alumni and supported our community,” Wetzel said. 

Throughout the entire 24-hour Giving Day timeframe — and even afterward — donations from alumni, students, community members, faculty, staff and other Trapper fans steadily arrived through phone calls, mail and the website. The NWC Foundation matched all gifts from 7-9 p.m. to encourage additional donations as the day progressed.  

“I believe Giving Day was a pretty powerful experience for everybody on campus,” Wetzel said. 

To learn more about NWC’s first Giving Day, visit nwc.edu/givingday.