Over $1 Million

Grinnell College’s 36-hour Scarlet & Give Back Day on April 10–11, 2019, raised more than $1 million to support programs and opportunities for current and future Grinnell students. 

During the 36-hour giving challenge, a total of 1,964 gifts were made. This generosity went even further because an anonymous Grinnell graduate pledged a $2-for-$1 match for every gift up to a total match of $500,000. All of the matching funds will support the new Humanities and Social Studies Center, which is scheduled to be completed in 2020.  

“We are so grateful to everyone who assisted with this 36-hour challenge, including our Development and Alumni Relations team,” says Mae Parker, director of annual giving at the College, “but most importantly, our anonymous alum donor who made such a generous challenge possible.”

To commemorate the fifth year of Scarlet & Give Back Day, an additional 12 hours were added to the traditional 24-hour event. Several interactive activities also were incorporated into the festivities. 

A second challenge was issued by the Grinnell College Board of Trustees. Board members personally pledged gifts of $150,000 if a total of 1,846 gifts were made before the end of Scarlet & Give Back Day at 5 p.m. April 11. Grinnell reached that milestone just before 4 p.m.

Scarlet & Give Back Day was introduced in 2015 to celebrate Grinnell College through philanthropy. In total, Scarlet & Give Back Day has garnered contributions of $3,689,682.