Crowdfund campaign aims to meet goals for scholarships and student-athletes

University of North Georgia (UNG) supporters have already shown strong support for the three funds of #ONEUNG STRONGER TOGETHER crowdfund campaign to benefit students affected by COVID-19. Opportunities still remain to meet the goal for two funds: scholarships for incoming students this fall and for student-athletes.

The third fund of the #ONEUNG STRONGER TOGETHER effort, to offset housing costs for members of UNG's Corps of Cadets, exceeded its goal of $27,500 in the first day of the campaign that launched May 5. It has collected $41,715.

The total fundraising effort runs through June 30. One-time gifts, scheduled payments or perpetual gifts may be made online.

"We have had new donors come in for the first time and many loyal supporters have given additional gifts," said Alberto Perez, annual giving officer for the UNG Foundation. "We're in the middle of a crisis where many are not secure about their finances, and they're still giving. It's a testament to who they are, how much they care about UNG, and the impact their alma mater has had on their lives."

Through the morning of June 8, the fund for scholarships for incoming students has raised $5,240 of its $225,000 goal, while the student-athlete financial support fund has collected $11,750 of its $60,000 goal.

The incoming student fund will help award one-time scholarships ranging between $500 and $2,000 for up to 450 new students whose families have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

"These are challenging times for families, reminiscent to the Great Recession of 2007-09, but much more abrupt and shocking in the suddenness of the disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic has put college in question for many families," said Dr. Brett Morris, UNG associate vice president for Enrollment Management. "The UNG Foundation and donors have stepped forward by providing additional scholarships to help students stay on track with their college plans. UNG students are fortunate to be part of a community that cares about their success."

Lee Glenn, UNG associate athletics director for external operations, expressed gratitude for the way donors are aiding UNG's student-athletes.

"The primary mission of UNG Athletics is to provide access to the opportunity of a life-changing experience and eventually graduate champions," Glenn said. "The #ONEUNG STRONGER TOGETHER campaign is a top priority and demonstrates our commitment to recruiting, supporting and rewarding our student-athletes."

While some students are eligible for CARES Act funding, university leaders determined that $890,500 in critical funding is still needed to assist current and incoming students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNG Foundation identified existing funds to provide $578,000 toward the $890,500 need, reducing the need to $312,500.

The UNG Foundation has created the crowdfund campaign #ONEUNG STRONGER TOGETHER to fulfill the remaining amount of $312,500 not covered by existing funds to ensure student success and continuity of enrollment at UNG.