Thank you for stepping up to raise funds for the SMCM causes that matter most to you. This page offers tools and inspiration to help you succeed. There are countless ways to approach this, so find what works best for you. Remember, no one gives unless they’re asked—so step out of your comfort zone and start reaching out to your personal network in the weeks leading up, if possible. The more time you invest in planning and outreach, the better your results will be. However, if you only have time to focus your outreach during the 32-hour campaign, you can still make a big impact.
Champion Checklist
Start here! These are your key steps to becoming a successful Giving Tuesday Champion.
- Post regularly on your favorite social media channels leading up to and during the 32-hour campaign.
- Tell people why you care — share how your fund, club, team or cause makes a difference and what their gift will help accomplish.
- Use or personalize our ready-made posts and graphics.
- Reach out directly with DMs, phone calls, texts, or emails to classmates, professors, alumni, friends and family.
Your Personal URL
Your personal link is your most powerful tool. Every time someone donates through it and selects your name on the form, it counts toward your total.
- Include your Personal Champion URL (will be emailed to you on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 12 p.m.) whenever and wherever you talk about Giving Tuesday.
- Add it to your social media bios or linktree.
- Share it often! The more people who see it, the better your chances of success.
Champion Training Session Recording
Stay Connected
Want to share a post with us? Tag us on Instagram or post with one of the hashtags below:
- @stmarysmd
- @smcm.alumni
- @smcseahawks
- @smcmcommunity
- #SMCMgives
- #GivingTuesday
- #SMCM
- #BeCounted
Invite Your Network
Spread the word and rally support from every corner of your community.
- Share the SMCM Giving Tuesday homepage: https://www.smcm.edu/giving-tuesday/
- Invite your family and friends to join the Facebook event: Facebook event
- Encourage anyone on campus on Dec. 2 to check out the Allan Challenge at the Campus Center Patio
Make Sure They Choose You
Don’t let their generosity go uncounted! Make sure every one of your supporters knows how to select you as their Champion.
- On the giving form, donors will choose your name from a dropdown list (listed by name, then cause).
- Tell them to confirm your name appears on the giving form review page before submitting their gift.
- If your name isn’t shown there, their donation won’t count toward your total - remind them to go back and select you!
The Champion Timeline
Follow this suggested schedule to build excitement, stay organized and keep your audience engaged throughout the 32-hour campaign.
One Week Out (around Nov. 24–25)
Introduce yourself as a Champion, share what you’re supporting and post a “Save the Date” graphic so people can mark their calendars.
Weekend Before (Nov. 29–30)
Build momentum! Share one of our ready-made posts (the Thanksgiving-themed one is always a favorite) and remind everyone that Giving Tuesday starts Monday at 4 p.m.
Campaign Kickoff (Monday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.)
The event begins! Post, text, call and message your network right away to let them know it’s time to give. Make sure to include your personal URL.
Tuesday Morning (Dec. 2)
Share an early update and thank your first donors. Encourage anyone who hasn’t given yet to jump in before lunch.
Tuesday Midday
Post a progress update — how many donors you have, how much you’ve raised and how close you are to your goal.
Tuesday Afternoon
Tag friends, family, classmates and alumni. Ask them to give or reshare your posts to reach even more supporters.
Final Hours (Tuesday Evening to Midnight)
This is your last push! Share your latest progress and how many more donors you need. A heartfelt, personal appeal can make all the difference.
After Midnight (Campaign Ends!)
You did it! The campaign wraps up at midnight. Results on the leaderboard are preliminary, so rest up and celebrate your effort.
Next Day (Dec. 3)
Thank your donors for their support and let them know the results of the Alumni Council Champion Challenge will be announced in the coming days after results are tallied.
Sample Email
Hi [mom/dad/friend/professor/etc],
I’m participating in the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Alumni Council Challenge to raise money for [fund/club/sport] on Giving Tuesday. Would you consider donating to SMCM on Dec. 2 to support [fund]? By using this unique URL and selecting me as your Champion on the drop down menu, your donation of $10 or more will automatically go towards my fund/club/sport. [Personal Champion URL]
Thank you for your support. I hope you will BeCounted on Dec. 2!
[Your Name]
Sample Message
Will you consider supporting SMCM [fund] on Giving Tuesday? By making a donation of $10 or more on Dec. 2 and selecting me as your Champion on the giving form, you can help my fund/club/sport compete for up to $5,000 in matching funds! [Personal Champion URL]
Today is #GivingTuesday! Please support SMCM [fund] by following the link below and selecting me as your Champion on the giving form. Every donation over $10 pushes our club/team closer to winning up to $5,000 from Alumni Council matching funds! #SMCMgives [personal champion URL].
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