From the Nominator

Colorado State University's Annual Giving team has fundraised for Rams Against Hunger meal swipes program—which provides dining hall access to students with the highest levels of food insecurity—on every Giving Tuesday since 2014. The 2025 campaign targeted a broad donor audience, with particular emphasis on acquiring new donors and increasing participation from faculty, staff, and parents. The goal for 2025 was to raise $110,000 (equivalent to 10,000 meal swipes), while deepening donor engagement through creative storytelling. The team developed the "What's On Your Plate" concept to illustrate the realities of food-insecure students, pairing vibrant photography of everyday student life with a powerful message: Hunger leaves room for nothing else. The campaign also responded in real time to a government shutdown that paused SNAP benefits, incorporating thoughtful urgency into later solicitations. Internal collaboration was strengthened across teams, and 11 years of cumulative impact data was woven into messaging to reinforce the collective power of donor contributions. The results exceeded all targets. The campaign raised $144,613 (134% of goal), equivalent to 13,328 meal swipes. A total of 1,238 donors gave, including 156 first-time donors.

From the Judges

This campaign tackles a hard topic. Many universities shy away from raising money for this kind of cause because it highlights that students often cannot afford basic necessities like food. The creative approach focusing on what is on someone's plate outside of food and making it about capacity is thoughtful, respectful, and so relatable. Students identifying what is on their "plate" and the inclusion of donor motivations elevates this campaign.