What began in 2015 as a clever way to recognize Washington State University’s 125th birthday has now grown into an annual fundraising celebration of a familiar refrain oftentimes heard throughout the WSU system: “Cougs helping Cougs.” Since that inaugural event 10 years ago, donors have generously made 10,000-plus gifts totaling more than $4.5 million in support of scholarships, research, programs, athletics, student activities, and much more.
This year’s #CougsGive on April 16 marks the 10th anniversary of WSU’s annual day of giving, which has blossomed into a highly anticipated philanthropic and culture-building event. Over that decade, alumni, students, faculty, staff, community members, corporate partners, and donors alike have pooled a generous spirit and pitched in to support and inspire myriad people, programs, and projects across WSU’s six campuses.
“#CougsGive has evolved into a major philanthropic event for WSU every spring, with approximately $4.5 million contributed since its start in 2015,” said Mike Connell, vice president of Advancement and CEO of the WSU Foundation. “This annual day of giving has helped WSU engage new donors, grow our social media presence, and cultivate the Cougar community, all while honoring the incredible impact our alumni and supporters make for students, faculty, and staff across the WSU system.”
Did you know? Ten fun facts about 10 years of #CougsGive
- In 2015, the Washington State University Foundation launched #CougsGive125 as WSU’s first annual day of giving. Technically, the inaugural event spanned 1 ½ days — noon March 26 to midnight March 27.
- The inaugural #CougsGive saw 1,039 donors contribute $314,814.
- In 2016, the second-annual event was labeled “Take the Leap,” which was a nod to a day that’s not so annual. That year, #CougsGive was held on Feb. 29 (a leap day!).
- The Cougar Ambassador program was introduced in 2017. A Cougar Ambassador volunteers on #CougsGive to ask their connections — namely through social media — to consider a gift. Since that time, Ambassadors have inspired a combined 1,849 gifts for more than $340,000.
- Speaking of social media, check out the latest on this year’s #CougsGive via the WSU Foundation’s presence on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).
- Matching gifts and challenges add an exciting element to #CougsGive. Opportunities to amplify support, double down, and unlock bonuses can be found at cougsgive.wsu.edu.
- #CougsGive has become a featured platform to highlight new fundraising initiatives. Here’s a perfect example out of WSU Vancouver.
- #CougsGive 2022 marked a second consecutive record-setting year at $791,211 — a 12.2% increase over 2021’s previous record.
- Buoyed by 1,750 gifts totaling $652,507 during 2024 #CougsGive, overall fundraising at WSU topped $150 million for the third consecutive fiscal year.
- Since its inception, #CougsGive has seen 10,253 total gifts totaling $4.53 million, all while deepening affinities, expanding levels of participation, and promoting a culture of philanthropy at WSU.
“Over the past decade, #CougsGive has grown into an amazing system-wide celebration,” said Jess Billings, senior director of Annual Giving at the WSU Foundation. “I am incredibly proud of the way this event brings together the entire WSU community — from students, to faculty and staff, to our alumni and donors. So many generous people lean in every year to make #CougsGive a fun and rewarding experience for all.”
For more information about 2025 #CougsGive on April 16 as well as WSU’s annual celebration of philanthropy and donor impact in general, visit cougsgive.wsu.edu.
