U of T Giving Day 2025: A celebration of community and philanthropy

May 14, 2025

Third annual Giving Day campaign drives even greater support for students and researchers

On March 25, 2025, the University of Toronto celebrated its third annual U of T Giving Day — an initiative that showcases the strength and generosity of the global U of T community.

Launched in 2023, U of T Giving Day was inspired by the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence, which is also the driving force behind the Defy Gravity campaign.

Now a cherished tradition, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends united once again to support students and researchers under the theme “Progress takes a community.” This theme reflects the university community’s ability to come together and make a powerful difference.

U of T staff gathered outside King's College, holding blue and white Giving Day signs in a group photo

Record-breaking participation and impact

This year, U of T Giving Day saw a surge in participation, with over 2,800 donors — including more than 250 new donors — stepping forward to contribute to featured funds.

Doubling generosity through matching gifts

The university’s matching gift opportunity, which allowed supporters to double their impact by up to $1,000 with gifts to featured funds, proved once again to be a compelling incentive.

Thanks to the generosity of the global U of T community, Giving Day raised an impressive $3,096,862.60, which will directly benefit students and researchers across U of T’s three campuses.

“Every year, the generosity of the U of T community propels us forward,” says Claire M. C. Kennedy, Defy Gravity Campaign Co-Chair. “Alumni and donor support is the heartbeat of Defy Gravity — fueling excellence, inclusion, and prosperity.”

“Every year, the generosity of the U of T community propels us forward. Alumni and donor support is the heartbeat of Defy Gravity — fueling excellence, inclusion, and prosperity.”

Two UofT Giving Day ambassadors (Rachel Ma and Janielle Browne), seated in Sid Smith lobby, writing Thank You cards to donors

Close-up photo of Giving Day Ambassador, Rachel Ma's hands holding a Thank You card with a message of thanks

A steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion

U of T Giving Day featured 104 unique funds dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

“The record number of featured funds, and certainly the outpouring of support for them, underscores our community’s steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence,” said John M. Cassaday, also a Campaign Co-Chair.

To promote the campaign, divisional ambassadors — including students, faculty and alumni — shared personal stories highlighting philanthropy’s transformative power. Their stories illustrated not only the impact of giving back but also the profound effects of a supportive university community.

Connecting through in-person events

Several in-person campus events added a warm, personal touch to this year’s celebration.

One such gathering was the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s inaugural “Thank You Lab,” where students came together to celebrate and thank donors who support the faculty. Students expressed their gratitude by penning over 350 heartfelt thank-you notes to donors and enjoyed music and a photobooth during the event.

“I think the event really captured the essence of U of T Giving Day,” remarked Chris Yip, Dean, Faculty of Engineering. “It’s a beautiful reminder of the collaboration and generosity that defines U of T.”

“I think the event really captured the essence of U of T Giving Day. It’s a beautiful reminder of the collaboration and generosity that defines U of T.”

Dean of Engineering, Chris Yip, joins smiling Engineering students in a group portrait, holding Giving Day signage and photobooth props

Engineering students gather around the 'Thank You Lab,' a pop-up booth inviting them to write messages of appreciation to donors

Another event was a special panel presentation titled ‘A Conversation with U of T Scholars at Risk.’ Moderated by Dr. James Orbinski, the panel featured students and scholars discussing universities’ crucial role as havens for at-risk academics whose studies, careers, and lives have been threatened by upheaval in their home countries. The Scholars at Risk program is one of the many featured funds on Giving Day and ensures a continued lifeline for scholars in need of urgent support.

Close-up of Scholars at Risk panel speakers in discussion with moderator Dr. James Orbinski near the stage

Image of audience attentively listening to a panel discussion at 'A Conversation with U of T Scholars at Risk' event

Unified for a better future

“To everyone who made a gift, shared their story as a campaign ambassador, or helped spread the word on social media, thank you,” said Kennedy.

“Progress really does take a community. Thankfully, ours believes that when we all come together, our collective hope, effort, and passion can turn even the smallest step into something truly remarkable.”

“Progress really does take a community. Thankfully, ours believes that when we all come together, our collective hope, effort, and passion can turn even the smallest step into something truly remarkable.”