The fourth annual Augusta Gives campaign held Wednesday, March 22, brought in nearly $1.4 million from more than 780 donors for Augusta University.

Augusta Gives is the largest one-day fundraiser to benefit Augusta University. Donations for this community-funded initiative are driven by social media posts and shares by students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university, as well as some of the university’s most dedicated supporters who choose to make major gifts on this day.

Because Augusta Gives is virtual, donors may support the colleges, programs, units or areas that resonate most with them. In addition, supporters were invited to follow campaign progress on the augustagives.com website.

“This was my first experience with Augusta Gives as the university’s chief philanthropy officer, and I was excited about what we could accomplish together — in just one day,” said Brandon T. McCray, vice president for development in Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.

“It has been amazing to watch as individual gifts from community members, alumni, business partners, our student groups and athletes, and our faculty and staff began to build momentum and grow throughout the day. Augusta Gives helps to boost scholarships, athletics, academics, research, health care, innovation and other vital programs at Augusta University, and we are beyond grateful for this overwhelming support,” McCray said.

Activities during the day included coin wars by student groups, intercampus competitions to earn bonus funding and power hours dedicated to specific academic, athletic and health care areas.

The goal of Augusta Gives is to engage the community, alumni, friends, donors, retirees, employees and students to give at any level to impact projects within Augusta University’s colleges, units, health system and athletics programs. This year’s target for donors was 750, which was surpassed, coming in at more than 780.