The year-long pandemic has led to hardships for many, and like last year’s UR Here Giving Day, the Spider family stepped up to meet the needs of students.

More than 1,900 alumni, parents, and other supporters around the world contributed more than $1.2 million to support students and programs across campus.

“In the midst of a challenging year, we are delighted with the generous support our community provided on Giving Day,” said Martha Callaghan, vice president for advancement. “The way our Spider family gives back with their time, expertise, energy, and philanthropic gifts every year helps make the extraordinary Richmond experience possible for our hardworking  students.”

Spiders supported more than 160 funds representing five impact areas: academics, athletics, greatest needs, student life, and well-being. This year’s event also featured two opportunities to honor the Crutchers. The Dr. Ronald A. and Dr. Betty Neal Crutcher Scholarship provides financial aid to first-generation students with financial need. The Dialogue and Inclusion Fund supports UR’s work to foster an inclusive intercultural community and to build the University’s collective capacity to engage across lines of difference and navigate challenging conversations.

Additional new funds included the CAPS Access Fund and Spiders Support Recovery. Athletic teams competed for bonus money. Spider Baseball won a team bonus of $10,000 for raising the most money (more than $70,000) and securing the most donors (more than 150).

Many alumni and families generously offered matches and challenges to encourage others to join them in supporting UR. Two of these donors have extended their matches through June 30. One will continue to match gifts to Financial Aid up to a total of $60,000 and another will match gifts to the Career Opportunity Fund up to a total of $15,000.

Anyone who wishes to give before the University’s fiscal year ends on June 30 can do so at uronline.net/givenow.