Giving Back, Moving Forward: Illinois State Strengthens Community Through Philanthropy

Redbird Philanthropy Week Invites Alumni and Donors to Join the Celebration

Philanthropy: “the act of selflessly giving”, plays an essential role in shaping the future of higher education. Many of the students around the world are deprived of quality education due to financial limitations. The act of giving enabled us to bridge the funding gap, support innovation and help students to access quality learning regardless of their background. The philanthropic act strengthens the universities to provide scholarships, research initiatives, essential services and campus development opportunities, which indirectly equip them to deliver excellence while fostering equity and opportunity. Building on this impact, the United States’ philanthropic contributions to higher education reached $59.5 billion in 2022, reflecting a growing commitment from alumni, organisations, and individuals to support students’ education and institutional growth.

Inspiring from the thought of giving selflessly, countries such as Germany, Canada, France, Australia, Japan, and the Netherlands have also demonstrated strong support for university advancement. These nations have invested significantly in areas like student scholarships, research institutions, and technology innovation, reflecting a global commitment to strengthening students’ education and institutional development across leading international universities.

In line with this effort to foster a culture of selfless giving, Illinois State University is set to host Redbird Philanthropy Week from 15–19 September, offering a wide range of opportunities for attendees to engage with philanthropy and reflect on its impact across the university campus. The initiative, as reported in the University Newsroom, is designed to highlight how private support enhances the student experience, particularly through student scholarships, essential services, and inclusive learning environments.

According to Jillian Nelson, Senior Managing Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropy Engagement, the weeklong celebration provides a platform for registered student organisations (RSOs), affinity groups, and academic programmes to demonstrate how donor contributions shape student life at the State University. Nelson is understood to have emphasised that the event is not about asking students to give, but rather encouraging them to express gratitude for the generosity that underpins many aspects of their education.

Among the scheduled activities for students, the week begins with an informational booth at Schroeder Plaza on 15 September, from 12–1 p.m., where students can learn more about giving at Illinois State, earn prizes, and meet Pawfficer Korg, a campus favourite supported by philanthropic gifts. The main event takes place on 18 September, with an in-person Philanthropy Quest held on the Quad between Edwards and Fell Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Students will participate in a short interactive experience designed to teach the value of giving, enjoy lunch while supplies last, and write thank-you notes to donors. A bounce house will also be available to add a light-hearted touch to the day’s proceedings.

In addition to live events, students have the opportunity to engage in a Digital Philanthropy Quest throughout that week. The first 500 students to complete the online challenge will be eligible to redeem a prize-a hammock, beach towel, or pickleball set-on the Quad, September 18, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The University seeks to integrate student activity with purposeful learning by including such activities within its broader scope, as mentioned in the University Newsletter and in the strategic communications.

Nelson also shared data underscoring the importance of donor support. Each year, over 14,000 donors contribute to Illinois State, enabling the provision of more than 4,600 student scholarships. She cited the Food and Basic Needs Fund as a particularly impactful project, which helps provide food, shelter, and hygiene essentials to vulnerable students, allowing them to focus on their education without the burden of unmet basic needs. Another example includes the Special Education Assistive Technology (SEAT) Centre, where donor funding supports inclusive learning environments for students with complex support needs. Redbird Philanthropy Week embodies Illinois State's ongoing commitment to cultivate a culture of generosity, increase student understanding, and draw connections between private support and public outcomes. The week offers a poignant reminder that behind each scholarship, support service, and campus activity stands a community of benefactors who believe in the potency of students' education and the future of the Illinois State Campus.

Editor’s Note

Redbird Philanthropy Week is more than just a campus event; it's a carefully planned initiative designed to inspire other institutions. The university led by example, taking action that many other organisations discuss but seldom implement. The act of philanthropy is not about donating money, but it's all about creating a difference in others' lives by giving selflessly. The university taught its students the value of generosity before asking them to practise it. The focus here isn’t on fundraising, but on gratitude. What stands out is how the University has embedded philanthropy into student life without making it transactional. From interactive quests to thank-you notes, students are invited to reflect on how donor support shapes their daily experience, from scholarships and food security to inclusive learning environments. In a time when higher education is increasingly shaped by private support, this initiative offers a model worth replicating. It connects students to the unseen hands that make their education possible and encourages a culture of appreciation that could last well beyond graduation. Redbird Philanthropy Week is not just a celebration; it’s a lesson in civic responsibility. Throughout the event, students learnt about the exact meaning of philanthropy through hands-on experiences and personal reflection. As Jillian Nelson, Senior Managing Director of Annual Giving, rightly noted, the focus is not on asking students to give, but on helping them appreciate how others have paved the way for their education.

Skoobuzz commends Illinois University for organising Redbird Philanthropy Week. This event serves as a timely reminder that the Illinois State University Campus thrives due to a community of benefactors. Their belief in the power of education and the future underpins every scholarship, support service, and campus initiative.

FAQs

1. How does Redbird Philanthropy Week support Illinois State University students?

Redbird Philanthropy Week offers students a meaningful opportunity to engage with the concept of giving and understand its impact on their university experience. Through interactive activities such as the Philanthropy Quest, informational booths, and gratitude stations, students are encouraged to reflect on how donor support contributes to scholarships, essential services, and inclusive learning environments. The initiative fosters a culture of appreciation and civic awareness, helping students recognise the role of generosity in shaping student life.

2. What scholarships are available through Illinois State University's giving campaigns?

Illinois State University provides a wide range of scholarships funded by donor contributions. These include the Red and White Scholarship Fund, which supports students facing unexpected financial hardship, and the Illinois State Excellence Fund, which offers flexible support for academic priorities and merit-based awards. Each year, more than 14,000 donors contribute to the University, enabling the distribution of over 4,600 scholarships to students across various disciplines and backgrounds.

3. How do student activities benefit from philanthropy at Illinois State? 

Philanthropy plays a vital role in enhancing student activities at Illinois State. Donor support enables registered student organisations and affinity groups to host events, outreach programmes, and enrichment activities. It also funds initiatives such as the Food and Basic Needs Fund, which provides food, shelter, and hygiene essentials to students in need. Additionally, contributions support specialised centres like the SEAT (Special Education Assistive Technology) Centre, which promotes inclusive learning for students with complex support needs.

4. Why is giving important to student life at Illinois State University?

Giving is essential to student life because it ensures access to resources that extend beyond academic instruction. Donor contributions help fund scholarships, emergency support, mental health services, and co-curricular programmes that contribute to a well-rounded university experience. As highlighted by University staff, the emphasis is not on asking students to give, but on helping them understand and appreciate the generosity that underpins their education and personal development.

5. How can alumni and donors get involved during Redbird Philanthropy Week? 

Alumni and donors can participate in Redbird Philanthropy Week by sharing their stories, encouraging student engagement, and supporting featured giving campaigns such as the Red and White Scholarship Fund. They may also attend campus events or take part in digital activities, including the online Philanthropy Quest. These opportunities allow the wider Redbird community to connect with current students and reinforce the importance of giving in sustaining excellence at Illinois State University.