From the Nominator

"#ChirpChirp is an endearment from Cardinal to Cardinal here at Ball State. After two award-winning One Ball State Day efforts, and after so many other schools chose to delay their giving days due to the pandemic, we went for three times the chirp in 2021. From 4,138 gifts during the inaugural One Ball State Day in 2019 (our goal was 1,918), we surpassed the 10,000 mark in 2021.  

We knew our students needed us, and we Cardinals rise together in the face of uncertain times. On April 6, 2021, the Ball State community said yes to the university once again. More than 10,000 gifts came in—a 58% increase over 2020! The gift goal aside, we also hit goals of surpassing what was raised in 2020 (a 71% increase), received gifts from all 50 states for the first time, increased support from all constituencies, and had more employee ambassadors than ever. With a social media reach of nearly 7 million, we trended on Twitter for the third year in a row.   

Pandemic or not, we Cardinals fly."

From the Judges

Scavenger hunt to learn facts about philanthropy linked with social media was a great initiative to educate people about philanthropy. Great results that have stemmed from building on this initiative year on year. It's clear that ambassador engagement, especially at the executive level, is critical, from participation to giving themselves. Seems like the cumulative result of their work has established a tradition of giving among the university community, as well as the community of Muncie. When that happens, it is magic and fuels future success. Impressive results!