Thousands of Redbirds unite for annual Birds Give Back campaign

Image courtesy of Illinois State University 

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s annual Birds Give Back event rallied thousands of Redbirds in a one-day show of generosity, fueling campus programs and advancing student success across the university.

Jillian Nelson, senior managing director of donor engagement and campaign communications, said Birds Give Back is more than just a fundraiser.

“Birds Give Back is Illinois State’s very own day of giving,” Nelson said. “It’s a day where thousands of Redbird alumni, parents, employees, friends, and even students come together and try to make a collective impact for their favorite campus causes.” 

 Nelson said the event plays an important role in strengthening the university’s reputation and student experience. 

 “It’s a great display of unity and pride in our university,” Nelson said. “That’s important for the reputation and status that we have in rankings and reviews, and it increases the value of the Redbird experience for our students.” 

 Funds raised during Birds Give Back are directed toward initiatives designed to enhance learning and campus life. 

“This includes scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, faculty support, and even facility and equipment enhancements,” Nelson said.

 Rather than focusing solely on total dollars raised, the university prioritizes participation. 

“We always focus our goal on the number of gifts that we’re trying to bring in,” Nelson said. “Part of Giving Day is the gamification of giving and encouraging people to show back up and support different causes.” 

 This year’s campaign featured bronze, silver and gold participation goals, inspired by a Winter Olympic theme. 

“We’re sitting at the bronze level with over 4,000 gifts,” Nelson said. “We’re at about 4,018 gifts, and that number will continue to rise through Monday at noon when the website officially closes.” 

Last year’s Birds Give Back raised more than $1.2 million through donations, challenges and pledges. 

“A lot of that was driven by a million-dollar challenge gift for scholarships,” Nelson said. “The remaining funds went to a wide variety of causes across campus.” 

Those donations supported scholarships, program funding, facility and equipment upgrades, and faculty development and research. 

Several colleges and departments saw strong participation this year. 

“The College of Arts and Sciences remains at the top of the leaderboard with 1,017 donations,” Nelson said. “The College of Applied Science and Technology moved into second place, and Student Affairs took third.” 

Other areas saw notable growth, including the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, Athletics, the School of Communication and targeted campaigns like the Red and White Scholarship Fund and the Athletic Strength and Conditioning Center. 

 While final donor totals are still being calculated, early estimates indicate strong participation, with more than 2,500 individual donors contributing, a sign that thousands of Redbirds are eager and willing to support the university.

 “With more than 200,000 alumni, there’s opportunity to continue expanding this tradition,” Nelson said. “We want Birds Give Back to be a tradition as strong as homecoming.”