FAMU Prepares for Annual Day of Giving ‘1887 Strikes’ Fundraising Campaign

Florida A&M University is going all out to raise at least $750,000 from at least 2,750 donors during its 5th Annual Day of Giving “1887Strikes,” which begins 9 a.m., Thursday, April 18.

Faculty, staff, students, supporters, and friends are being asked to financially support a broad range of initiatives and scholarships to benefit students. Donors can designate their gifts to colleges and schools, departments, endowed scholarships, athletics or FAMU Cares, which provides emergency assistance to students.

The fourth Annual Day of Giving “1887Strikes” received more than $686,000 in contributions from 2,502 donors in 2023.

“Florida A&M University is on the rise. We have seen tremendous improvements in student success, research, athletics, business operations and service excellence. But we aren’t satisfied. We must continue to move forward,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We need our stakeholders’ financial support to ensure the continued success of our students. Giving to FAMU is an investment that will continue to pay dividends for years to come.”

This year’s goal is 750 new donors and an overall target of $750,000. The drive is also to retain old donors to increase the giving rate, especially among alumni.  The “1887Strikes” site is live for individual donors to begin to give. The Annual Day of Giving has raised about $2 million over the past four years.

Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation, describes “1887 Strikes” as a signature event that raises the profile of the University’s annual fundraising campaign.

“We are excited about kicking off our 5th Annual “1887Strikes” Day of Giving Campaign for 1,887 minutes of giving starting at 9 a.m., on Thursday, April 18, and ending at 4:27 p.m., Friday, April 19,” Friday-Stroud said. “We need all wallets on deck. With financial support from our diehard alumni, friends, and corporate partners, we are looking forward to exceeding our dollar and donor goals.”

Tune in to the kickoff ceremony at FAMUTube1887 and on Facebook. To give, visit 1887Strikes.com.

Annual Day of Giving festivities will coincide with “Set” Friday activities and FAMUly Reunion from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Friday at the Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater. The Office of University Advancement is recruiting ambassadors for individual colleges and schools to drum up participation in the fundraising effort.