Giving Tuesday is an international day dedicated to charitable giving, observed on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It brings people together to support important causes and make a difference in their communities. As the holiday season approaches, Giving Tuesday serves as a reminder of the power we have to help others and foster positive change.
How We Celebrate giving Tuesday
Harris-Stowe State University celebrates this day with a 24-hour fundraising drive. Gifts made on Giving Tuesday support our students’ greatest needs. This includes financial aid provisions that enhance opportunity for our students. This past Homecoming, your fellow Hornets collectively contributed $20,000 for student scholarships that will be used for a matching challenge throughout the day! Your gift, no matter the size will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000, doubling the impact your gift will make for current students.
The first 5 people to give before December 1 will win a Harris-Stowe State University lapel pin. After you’ve made your gift, we ask that you share a post to your social media using the hashtag #GivingHornets and encourage your fellow alumni and friends to make a gift.
incentives & Giving challenges
EARLY BIRD CHALLENGE
Kick-off the day by supporting the incredible experience that Harris-Stowe provides for students. Be one of the first 10 donors to make a gift of $25 or more before noon and be entered into a drawing to win a Starbucks gift card.
PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE
Keep the momentum going! From noon - 6:00 p.m., five randomly selected donors will win a seat at a shared lunch with Harris-Stowe State University President, Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith.
NIGHT OWL CHALLENGE
One donor making a gift between 6:00 pm – Midnight will be randomly selected to win a grand prize.
Student success is a shared responsibility. Together, we can help every Hornet take the next step toward a brighter future.
give today
One day. one gift. ENDURING IMPACT.
Frequently asked questions
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It is a 24-hour international fundraising event dedicated to charitable giving. Created in 2012 as a simple idea, Giving Tuesday encourages people to simply do good. The idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
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Yes, Harris-Stowe State University will participate in a 24-hour online fundraising campaign where alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends are asked to make a gift of at least $10.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2026
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The minimum contribution is $10.
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Yes. Click here and follow the prompts to make your tribute gift.
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Yes, all gifts are tax deductible.
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Yes! The power of #GivingHornets is in the collective impact Hornets across the world can make in just one day.
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After you have made your gift, we encourage you to share a post to your own social media accounts using the hashtag #GivingHornets and encourage your fellow alumni and friends to make a gift.
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You can contact Harris-Stowe State University’s Office of Institutional Advancement at InstitutionalAdvancement@hssu.edu
The story of Harris-Stowe continues to be one of access, opportunity, and transformation.
Thank you for standing with HSSU and for supporting the students, families, and communities who rely on its impact this Giving Tuesday.
Stats to know before you go:
72.9% of our students rely on Pell Grants to attend
More than half are first-generation college students
Over 1,000 students depend on HSSU each year
Nearly 300 new students enroll annually seeking opportunity
We graduate nearly 200 students into the workforce each year
Our graduation rates are rising—now exceeding 30%
Most of our students are from Missouri—and stay to serve Missouri