BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — Raritan Valley Community College’s 10th annual Giving Day raised a record $228,863, pushing the event’s cumulative total past $1 million over the past decade, college officials announced.
The 24-hour fundraising effort, held March 26, exceeded its $200,000 goal and marked the most successful Giving Day in the college’s history.
“Our Giving Day results are a resounding endorsement of Raritan Valley Community College—and the impact of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff,” said RVCC President Michael McDonough. “And we are grateful to have such generous support from the communities we serve.”
This year’s event drew 848 gifts, a more than 28% increase from last year. The total amount raised also represented a more than 12% increase over 2025, when the college raised $203,152.
Officials said 40 donations of $1,000 or more were made, nearly doubling the number of large gifts from the previous year.
“There’s no doubt that this year’s record-breaking Giving Day support was fueled by the epic generosity of our ‘match challenge’ benefactors—Jim and Jill Gibson, Don and Penny Pray, and our anonymous donor,” said Mike Marion, executive director of the RVCC Foundation and RVCC Alumni Association. “Their collective gifts of $75,000 in matching funds helped transform RVCC Giving Day 2026.”
Students played a key role in the campaign’s success, contributing 111 gifts, an increase of more than 19% over last year. A total of 39 student clubs and athletic teams participated, raising $51,782 — more than a 56% increase from 2025.
Alumni participation also grew, with 63 alumni donors contributing, a more than 31% increase year over year.
“Giving Day is about more than raising funds. It’s also about collaboration and community. And both were evident during our RVCC Giving Day 2026,” said Marion. “Witnessing the dramatic growth in participation by students, alumni, and the community at large was especially inspiring.”
Donors were able to direct contributions to a wide range of programs, including scholarships, student organizations, athletic teams, the Student Resource Center and Food Pantry, the Honors College and workforce training initiatives.
The RVCC Foundation, the college’s fundraising arm, supports programs and services beyond tuition and public funding, helping to expand educational opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
