FAQs
What is Canisius College Giving Day?
Canisius College Giving Day is the college’s annual 24-hour giving campaign that inspires Griffs to come together, show their pride in alma mater, and provide essential funding to support students and shape the college. This annual event shines a spotlight on giving at Canisius and creates a sense of energy around philanthropy.
This year’s goal is 2001 donors in 24 hours – in honor of the college’s address, 2001 Main Street.
Is there a minimum or maximum donation I can make on Giving Day?
No – gifts of all sizes are encouraged. Our goal focuses on participation because gifts of many come together to support the Canisius experience for every student in a big way.Why does Canisius care about my participation?
The collective generosity of many multiplies to provide valuable dollars for scholarships, academic and athletic excellence and programs that strengthen the college's Jesuit educational mission. In addition, the added donors on Giving Day will continue to help increase the college's overall giving participation rate, which effects the college's ranking in key recruitment publications such as U.S. News & World Report. Giving participation is a marker of alumni satisfaction. The higher the rankings, the more valuable the degree – so all Griffs – past, present and future – benefit when more give back.Can I participate in Canisius Giving Day 2017 if I did not graduate from Canisius?
Yes! Students, parents, faculty/staff, and friends are encouraged to support the college on Giving Day. When prompted in the giving form, you select the role you most closely affiliate with. All gifts help us reach the goal of 2001 donors and unlock the $100,000 Giving Day Challenge Grant.
Where does my Giving Day gift go?
Supporters are encouraged to designate their gifts to any area on campus they feel most passionate about. If you don't wish to prioritize any specific designation, then we encourage you to give to the Greatest Need of the College, which primarily supports financial aid for students. One-hundred percent of your gift goes to your designated area.
Will my Giving Day gift – if made in advance of 4.26.17– help populate the leaderboards?
Yes! Gifts made in advance of Giving Day through canisiusgivingday.com (and in response to Giving Day mailings) will be displayed on the leaderboard when it goes live at 12:00 a.m. on April 26, 2017.
Is my payment secure?
Absolutely - Canisius College Giving Day is facilitated by GiveGab, a company who has partnered with Stripe, a PCI Service Provider Level 1 (the most stringent level of certification possible) to process all gifts made through canisiusgivingday.com. Read through Stripe's security documentation online.
Can I send a gift by mail or phone?
Yes. However, due to the tight period of Giving Day, only gifts made online, by phone or in response to Giving Day mailings count toward overall totals and competitions. If you would like to make a gift by phone on April 26th, please call (716) 888-2712 or 1-800-201-4952.
Is my Canisius College Giving Day contribution tax deductible?
Yes, your gift is entirely tax deductible. You will receive an email confirmation that may serve as your receipt for tax purposes.
Does it cost anything to give through Giving Day? How much of my donation will Canisius receive?
There is a 2% processing fee and a 2.2% (+ $.30) bank fee for donations made using MasterCard, Visa or Discover. The bank fee for donations made with American Express is 3.5% (+ $.30). You have the option to cover these costs in addition to your gift. If you choose not to do so, the cost will be absorbed through the college’s administrative budget, leaving 100% of your gift to support students and to remain tax deductible.
What if I already made a gift to Canisius this year?
Thank you for being part of the Canisius College donor family! We appreciate your commitment and encourage you to make an additional gift of any size on April 26th. We also need your help to promote Giving Day to others. We have created sample email and social media posts to help you do this more easily, which are located in the Ambassador Toolkit on the site.
Can I help promote Giving Day?
Please do! We encourage you to share the images and messages that are located on our “Spread the Word" page. Send an email to classmates, post on your Facebook page, tweet, blog, yell, put signs on your lawn. It's all encouraged!
Can I use my employer's matching gifts funds?
Yes! We strongly encourage you to take advantage of your employer's generosity to enhance the impact of your support at Canisius. To see if your company offers this benefit or to learn more about your company's guidelines, visit our matching gift portal.
How will the donation be reported on my credit card?
Gifts made on Canisius Giving Day will appear on donors' credit cards as GIVEGAB Canisius College.
Who do I contact with questions about Giving Day?
GivingDay@canisius.edu | 716-888-2712