Why Cornell giving matters & how to articulate impact

The Champion’s mindset: You’re offering opportunity, not asking for money

• Reframe your thinking: You are presenting people with an opportunity they were already seeking and directing them toward a meaningful cause.
• The truth: People give to Cornell because they want to make a difference, stay connected, and be part of something meaningful. Your role is to help them see how their gift—of any size—creates that impact.
• When you approach someone: They shouldn’t be surprised that you’re asking. They were going to give somewhere anyway—so why not help them support Cornell?

The Cornell impact story (what you can tell others)

• Every gift to Cornell—no matter the size—creates meaningful change. Here’s how you can explain Cornell’s impact:
• The big picture: Your gift powers public good
  • Every gift makes a difference. Donor generosity powers groundbreaking research and innovation, driving discoveries that reach communities across the globe. Your support fuels the public good Cornell brings to the world—from the next generation of leaders to life-changing medical treatments to technologies that make our planet healthier, safer, and more resilient.
  • When you give to Cornell, you create opportunities for students and faculty to deepen their knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and ask bold questions that spark breakthroughs.

Five key talking points: Why your gift matters

Use these when explaining Cornell’s impact to your network:

1. Gifts transform lives through access
   • “Scholarships and financial aid reduce debt, expand opportunity, and change the trajectories of students and their families for generations to come.”
   • Your gift helps talented students of all backgrounds say “yes” to Cornell.
2. Gifts fund world-changing research
   • “Cornell research creates options, opportunities, and hope for a brighter future—from cancer patients waiting for new treatments to veterans rebuilding their lives.”
   • Research discoveries reach communities across the globe.
   • Your gift puts breakthroughs and discoveries within reach.
3. Gifts help create real-world learning opportunities
   • “Donor support gives students the chance to put their education into practice through clubs, project teams, global study, research, internships, and other transformative experiences.”
   • Students gain hands-on experience that shapes careers.
4. Gifts can build financial resilience for students
   • “Your gift helps remove financial and emotional stress, allowing students to focus on learning and growth.”
   • Reduces student loan debt burden.
   • Provides immediate support for unexpected challenges.
5. Gifts help sustain Cornell’s founding vision
   • “Ezra Cornell’s ‘…any person’ ideal boldly imagined a university where everyone has a fair chance to learn, work, and build a better future. Your gift carries this promise forward.”
   • Honors Cornell’s commitment to accessibility and excellence.
   • Ensures future generations have the same opportunities.

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The power of collective impact (how to show your network’s potential)

What individual gifts accomplish:

• $50: Supports student success initiatives and campus community programs
• $100: Enhances academic excellence programs and experiential learning opportunities
• $250: Expands access to transformative Cornell experiences

What you + your network accomplish together:

• You + 3 friends giving $50: Create meaningful support that helps students say “yes” to opportunities and enable a student to participate fully in campus life for an entire year
• You + 5 friends giving $100: Remove financial barriers for multiple students to engage in hands-on learning, like travel to research sites or conferences that shape careers
• You + 10 friends giving $100: Create opportunities that didn’t exist before—like funding a new mentorship program, connecting students with alumni professionals and expanding networks
• You + 20 friends giving $50: Ensure multiple students can fully participate in the transformative experiences that define Cornell

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Engaging your network

You’re ready to make an impact! These three steps are simple but powerful.

1. Choose your cause.
2. Make your gift.
3. Share your link.

Who should you approach? (cast a wider net!)

• Cornell connections: Classmates, fraternity/sorority members, teammates, club members
• Family: Spouse, parents, siblings, extended family who know your Cornell story
• Friends: Close friends who support causes you care about, even if they didn’t attend Cornell
• Professional network: Colleagues who respect your judgment and values
• Social connections: Neighbors, community members, social media followers

The key: Cast a wider net than you think. You’ll be surprised who wants to support something important to you.

Your five-touchpoint outreach plan

1. Initial announcement
   1. Send personal messages to closest connections
   2. Post social media announcement about your participation
2. Day-before reminder
   1. Send reminder messages: “Tomorrow is Cornell Giving Day!”
   2. Post social media reminder with your link
3. Morning launch
   1. Make your own gift first
   2. Post: “Today’s the day!” with your link
   3. Send personal messages to your priority contacts
4. Afternoon update
   1. Share progress update and renewed call to action
   2. Reach out to anyone who hasn’t responded yet
5. Thank you & results (after Giving Day)
   1. Thank everyone who participated
   2. Share final results and impact achieved

Handling objections & rejections

Common responses & how to pivot:

• “I already gave this year”
  • Pivot: “That’s wonderful! Cornell Giving Day is special because it’s about our community coming together on one day. Even a small additional gift joins thousands of others to create momentum.”
• “I’m not sure where my money goes”
  • Pivot: “I chose [your cause] because [your reason]. Your gift will go directly to [specific impact]. Would you like me to send you more information about how gifts are used?”
• “I can only give a small amount”
  • Pivot: “Every gift matters! A $25 gift joins with others to have real impact. It’s about participation, not the amount.”
• “I don’t feel connected to Cornell anymore”
  • Pivot: “I understand that feeling. This is actually a great way to reconnect! You’d be supporting current students who are having the same transformative experiences we had.”
• “What if they say ‘No’?”
  • Accept gracefully: “I completely understand. Thanks for listening!”
  • Pivot: “Would you be willing to share this with anyone else who might be interested?”
  • Don’t take it personally if they say no, it’s not right now

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Templates

• Premade graphics
• Sample email templates
• Writing a personal solicitation

Additional resources

• Champions page
• Video: Why your gift matters

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