March 29, 2024

CSM Foundation Launches $10M Campaign

CSM Giving Tuesday $10M Campaign

Giving Tuesday is Nov. 29, and as the world focuses on this international online day of generosity, the College of Southern Maryland Foundation will observe the day by celebrating the philanthropy and giving spirit within Southern Maryland and launching its $10 million “Make An Impact” campaign.

“This is an extraordinary time at the College of Southern Maryland, and we ask our community to partner with us as together we make an impact and transform tomorrow,” said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried. With more than $7 million already raised, CSM’s “Make An Impact” campaign is a transformative three-year outreach and fundraising effort that will culminate in 2018 with the college’s 60th anniversary.

“Our goal is to provide much-needed scholarships for our students, offer vital programs like nuclear engineering technology, cybersecurity, and trades such as welding and HVAC, and work with our business and education partners to innovate through our entrepreneurs,” Dr. Gottfried added.

“Make An Impact: Invest Today to Transform Tomorrow” addresses access, affordability, and achievement by ensuring that degree programs and career training are available to everyone through scholarships, that high-caliber programs, facilities, and technology are accessible, and that strategic partnerships and innovation are created and sustained in the community.

“This year’s Giving Tuesday will be a really special day for the college as we publicly announce our ‘Make An Impact’ campaign,” said CSM Foundation Chair E. Rane Franklin. “The ‘Make An Impact’ campaign is about how the community’s support will inspire and influence our students and community. We love our Southern Maryland community and we want to be the best we can be. On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, we ask our community to join us. Make an impact. We need our community’s support to transform lives and enhance our community as the College of Southern Maryland approaches its 60th anniversary.”

Through the foundation’s early efforts, and with support from CSM’s closest supporters, more than $7 million toward the $10 million goal has been raised through donations of all sizes. The contributions reflect a cash and legacy combination gift by the Gottfrieds of $110,000; a milestone $1 million gift from philanthropist and developer Marianne Harms; and cash and multi-year pledges of $10 and up, as well as bequests, planned gifts, and grants.

Three initiatives are being pursued to provide the financial support to help the college grow and maintain its affordable, high-quality programs for the future. The $10 million campaign will provide funding to: Inspire: Scholarships with a Purpose with a goal of $5 million; Influence: Transformative Programs, Technology and Facilities with a goal of $3 million; and Innovate: CSM Entrepreneur, Innovation and Partnerships with a goal of $2 million.

“Giving Tuesday seems especially appropriate to launch this community campaign as it’s an occasion for us to truly thank the many generous supporters who have already joined us and share our vision to transform the lives of our students and community,” said CSM Vice President of Advancement and CSM Foundation Executive Director Michelle Goodwin. “And because Giving Tuesday is an occasion where we recognize the impact that every dollar raised makes, this encourages everyone to be a part of this extraordinary opportunity, no matter what level of support they can offer. By the end of the day, we hope to see at least 200 alumni, friends, and employees share our vision and be part of this historic public launch by supporting Giving Tuesday.”

Traditionally Giving Tuesday follows Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday as an opportunity to emphasize philanthropy after those days of frenzied consumerism. Donations made during CSM’s 24-hour online Giving Tuesday event, #ImpactTuesday, may be directed to several initiatives to inspire, influence, or innovate in the community, including scholarships to help students afford degree programs and career and trades programs as well as support for the arts, athletics, the St. Charles Children’s Learning Center at CSM, the Center for Trades and Energy Training, Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute, and STEM.

There will be celebrations open to faculty, staff, students, and the community between 2:30 and 4 pm at each campus: La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry (BI Building), Chaney Enterprises Conference Room, Room BI-113; Leonardtown Campus, Building C, Lobby; and Prince Frederick Campus, Flagship Building, Atrium.

Donations made during power hours Nov. 29 will be eligible for prize packages. Power hours are 10 to 11 am, 3 to 4 pm and 10 to 11 pm. Prizes include a Fitbit Charge 2; two tickets to the award-winning musical, “Wicked,” performed at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 23; two tickets to a Washington Capitals hockey game Feb. 7, 2017; or four tickets to the President’s box and VIP access to a show at the Strathmore in Bethesda.

For complete details about #IMPACTTuesday on Nov. 29, click here. For information on all of the “Make An Impact” initiatives, naming opportunities and more, click here or call the CSM Foundation at 301-934-7649.

For more about the College of Southern Maryland, visit their Leader member page.

Leave A Comment