NEOMED’s Giving Day Breaks Own Record

Community maximizes impact with the help of Huntington’s matching gift

 

When Northeast Ohio Medical University discussed goals for its annual Giving Day on June 6, the University determined that increasing the number of donors was a priority, because public universities are becoming increasingly dependent on private funding. Prompted with a $36,000 matching gift challenge by Huntington Bank, the NEOMED community responded with a record-breaking 206 donations, raising a total of $112,525.

The 12 percent increase was significant, but not a surprise. Many have come to realize that NEOMED’s Giving Day is more than just a day of giving: It helps maximize the impact of the University’s annual fund, the Blue Fund, which is the driving force behind philanthropy and the advancement of students at NEOMED. 

Each year, graduating students give back by making a class gift to NEOMED. And this year, the Class of 2018 waited until Giving Day so that their gift of $2,000 would be matched by Huntington Bank, to maximize their impact. 

Paying it forward is important to help future medical students, said Sai Krishna Korada, M.D. (’18).

“We wanted to support and represent the student body on a day when giving is widespread and the community is involved greatly. We also wanted to help reach the Huntington Bank match goal to really maximize our efforts for the student body!”

This year, NEOMED introduced a text-to-give option. Also, for the first time, supporters could donate through teams: alumni, students, leadership, College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Graduate Studies, Foundation Board, employees or friends.  

“People tell me that they wait till Giving Day so that NEOMED can benefit from Huntington’s match,’’ said Craig Eynon, director of alumni relations and annual giving. “Over the whole year, we have 900 donors, so to say 206 came in in just one day, Giving Day—that tells me people get excited about it.’’ 

To learn more about NEOMED’s Giving Day, visit neomed.edu/givingday.

 

About Northeast Ohio Medical University

 For more than 40 years, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) has worked in collaboration with its educational, clinical and research partners to successfully train health professionals and medical researchers who serve and impact the region and beyond. The University trains students in a team-based, interprofessional environment and offers Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees, in addition to master’s and doctoral degrees and research opportunities in other medical areas. www.neomed.edu.