Ferris State University supporters donated more than $10,000 to the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance and more than $20,000 overall to programs supporting students on Giving Tuesday.

“We are humbled and deeply excited by the support from our community and campus partners for Giving Tuesday,” said Jennifer Shaw, associate vice president for Advancement. “These funds directly impact our students, and the projects donors care most about. The participation from faculty and staff on campus to our alumni and friends in the community, drives positive change across the university.” 

The Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance at Ferris State provides emergency assistance to students facing food or housing insecurity that would otherwise jeopardize their ability to stay in school.

Maggie Walcott, chair of the BBNA committee, said the BBNA recorded a 340-percent increase in emergency assistance requests from 2021 to 2022. As the need continues to rise, the committee hopes to provide increased levels of support and promote awareness of the aid they offer students. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to have raised over $10,000 for students with food and housing insecurity,” Walcott said. “Coming into the holiday season, knowing how our campus community stepped up and raised these funds to assist our students in need, is such a comfort. We are very grateful for everyone that donated to the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance on Giving Tuesday.”

Giving Tuesday is an international day of philanthropy that takes place each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year marks the first time in the university’s history that more than $20,000 was raised during the event.