The donations have all been counted, and at the end of this year’s annual North Texas Giving Day (NTGD) — a one-day online giving event that encourages giving to nonprofits across North Texas — UD benefactors contributed more individual gifts than any other college or university for the fourth consecutive year. Nearly 600 alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends showed support for the university by donating a preliminary total of $155,146, a 45 percent increase over last year.

"It was an incredible day and an incredible show of support from the UD community. We are grateful for each person who invested in the university and UD’s students yesterday,” said Erin Dougherty, assistant vice president for advancement.

For the first time during a NTGD, UD supporters were provided added incentive in the form of a challenge. In honor of UD’s 60th anniversary, a generous couple who also happen to be parents of two UD alumni, offered an additional $60,000 when the university reached the $100,000 mark. Their challenge was met at 8:18 p.m.

“The UD community rallied around that challenge. We are truly grateful for these donors,” said Dougherty.

The Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) — the largest community foundation in Texas — first launched NTGD in 2009 to serve as a hub connecting local donors with nonprofits. This year, CFT announced $2.5 million available in NTGD bonus funds and prizes.

The event received more than 142,700 gifts, totalling more than $37 million, the largest amount for a single online community “Giving Day” in the nation. Donors from all 50 states and 39 countries participated.

Visit NTGD for a complete list of funds raised for each nonprofit.