Drake University’s All In, a 24-hour giving challenge, has grown into a core part of the University’s fundraising efforts, engaging students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The theme for this year’s All In, “Opening Doors,” connects with Drake’s concept of community and shared support.
All In was originally scheduled for March 4-5, but was postponed following the passing of Sgt. Declan Coady and is now set for April 8-9, noon to noon.
All In, officially launched in 2014 as an experiment in digital giving, was inspired by similar programs at other universities, including Florida State University. Emily Weaver, director of donor engagement, said in the early years of All In, the annual fund team wanted to try it out and see how it would go for them.
“We had no idea what we were doing. We decided on a day and went for it,” Weaver said. We did everything manually, created all the videos on our own. We didn’t have a specific website, and we just got a lot of momentum.”
In the beginning, the primary goal of All In was participation. While the University raises money through the annual fund, a year-round donation opportunity to support Drake’s immediate needs, it faces challenges with donor retention and getting new donors.
“We never publicized a specific goal. It was about getting people involved, seeing how gifts could inspire others to gift,” Weaver said.
All In has since grown into an organized campaign with a layered approach. Laura Roling, director of annual giving, said her team reviews challenges and matches gifts, coordinates with deans and directors, and implements an in-depth communication plan that includes emails, mailings, text messages, and social media campaigns.
“We even have a student ambassador program,” Roling said. “So if you and then two others give through your ambassador link, you can earn Griff II socks, so that’s kind of a fun way to get people to spread the word.”
Student involvement is a big part of All In. Kim Jones, senior assistant director of alumni relations and student engagement, noted that the Student Alumni Association’s role in All In reflects this.
“All In is about celebrating Drake,” Jones said. “It’s the one day a year where students, alumni, and people abroad celebrate Drake’s as the amazing place it is, and understand the impact of their contribution.”
Jones noted that if students want to see their impact immediately, they can donate to initiatives like the Catalyst Fund, which helps support students who demonstrate financial need or are members of underrepresented groups.
SAA begins planning All-In events right when students come back in January. These kickoff events encourage students to attend, participate and give a donation.
These events start with “Get Hyped for All In” on April 8, from 12-2 p.m. in the Olmsted Breezeway. Hyper Energy Bar will be provided, and students can even try a custom “Griff Dreamsicle” energy drink. That evening, from 6-8 p.m., there is a PJ party with a DJ and Raising Cane’s in the Jewett Hall lobby. Griff II and III will attend both events.
The final event, “Donut Forget To Donate,” takes place on April 9, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., in the Olmsted Breezeway. Donuts will be handed out, providing one last opportunity for anyone who would like to donate.
Jones said that seeing past SAA board members come back and support, and watching the current board work hard, is very rewarding for her.
“Students aren’t excited about giving money when they’re paying tuition, but they still participate, because they care about Drake,” Jones said.
Looking towards the future, Jones hopes to expand her collaboration with other groups on campus and continue to highlight to students the importance of giving, noting that SAA has led these efforts independently using its own budget.
“Drake is worth a small investment because the experience is beyond amazing, and I want students to understand the impact of their giving,” Jones said.
