This GivingTuesday — December 1, 2026 — we invite you to join us in inspiring Blue Hens and friends to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity by supporting any of the 170+ fundraising projects featured on our HensGiving platform. These projects led by students, faculty, staff and alumni represent new possibilities for groundbreaking and life-changing experiences at the University and beyond.
Campus communicators and project leaders are encouraged to use the sample messages, social posts, emails and graphics below to bolster their fundraising efforts leading up to and on GivingTuesday.
Style notes: The hashtag (#GivingTuesday) should only be used in social posts. Other references should appear as GivingTuesday (no hashtag, no space between the words) per the organization's standards. See givingtuesday.org for reference.
TOOLKIT CONTENTS
Messaging
Social Posts and Graphics
Email Template
Website Assets
Pop-Up YoUDee Promotion
Communications Calendar
Questions?
Contact us at dar-comm@udel.edu.
During HensGiving, our Blue Hen season of giving, donors like you are helping us write an incredible story. Your gift to <Project Name/Team/Cause> this GivingTuesday adds another chapter and helps fuel our success this season and beyond.
Today’s the biggest day of HensGiving, the Blue Hen season of giving! Now’s the perfect time to support <Project Name/Team/Cause>.
Give to <Project Name/Team/Cause> today on GivingTuesday and be part of UD’s story of philanthropy all season long.
Tag @UDAlumni on Facebook and @UDelAlumni on Instagram and we'll like and share your posts throughout the day.
On GivingTuesday:
- Happy #GivingTuesday! We’re raising funds for <Project Name/Team/Cause>, which will <brief description>. Donate now and join me in being part of UD’s story of philanthropy throughout this season of giving.
- <Project Name/Team/Cause> creates exciting new opportunities for Blue Hens. Every gift from donors like you help write another chapter in our story and makes a real difference for our <students, team, college, group, etc.>.
- It’s HensGiving, our Blue Hen season of giving! Generous support helps <Project Name/Team/Cause> thrive. Join me in donating this #GivingTuesday!
- Thank you to everyone who’s donated to <Project Name/Team/Cause> so far! We’re only <$XXX> away from our goal. Share with your friends and family to help us make a difference!
After GivingTuesday:
- HensGiving has been fantastic! So far, during this Blue Hen season of giving, <Project Name/Team/Cause> has raised <$XXX>! Thank you for making even more incredible experiences possible.
- Thank you to everyone who donated to <Project Name/Team/Cause>! Because of the generous support we’ve received throughout HensGiving, our Blue Hen season of giving, we can <one short impact point>.
- Thank you to everyone who supported <Project Name/Team/Cause> this #GivingTuesday! If you haven’t had the chance to donate, there’s still time to contribute.
- #GivingTuesday is over, but HensGiving lasts all season long! Donate to <Project Name/Team/Cause> to be part of our story of philanthropy and success!
Instagram Special Instructions:
For in-feed posts: (You may need to place a link in bio to send to www.udel.edu/givingtuesday)
For stories: Use the Link sticker to direct audiences to your specific fundraising page or www.udel.edu/givingtuesday.
Graphics
Don't forget to say thank you!
Thank you to all who supported <project name OR projects in COLLEGE/UNIT name> on #GivingTuesday! We are so grateful for your generosity! You can see our progress and–if you still didn't get a chance–make your gift. (use specific project link or www.udel.edu/givingtuesday)
Personal Email:
To: Your family and friends
Subject line:
Today is the day!
<Project Name/Team/Cause> needs your help!
Help <Project Name/Team/Cause> reach its goal!
Join me this GivingTuesday
Help support <Project Name/Team/Cause>
Preheader: Help write our story this season
Dear <Recipient Name>,
Today is GivingTuesday and it’s the perfect time to make a difference by supporting <Project Name/Team/Cause>.
Your gift will help us:
<Insert impact>
<Insert impact>
<Insert impact>
During HensGiving, our Blue Hen season of giving, donors like you are helping us write an incredible story. Your gift adds a new chapter and helps fuel our success. I hope you’ll join me!
Your gift will make something happen for <Project Name/Team/Cause>. Right here. Right now.
Sincerely,
<Signer Name>
Third-Party Email:
To: Alumni, donors, friends
Subject line:
<College/Unit/Project Name/Team > needs your help!
Join <College/Unit/Project Name/Team> this GivingTuesday
Help support <College/Unit/Project Name/Team>
Preheader: Help write our story this season
Dear <Recipient Name>,
Today is GivingTuesday and it’s the perfect time to make a difference by supporting <Project Name/projects in the College/Department>.
Your gift to <Project Name/any of the projects in our college> will help us:
<Insert impact>
<Insert impact>
<Insert impact>
During HensGiving, our Blue Hen season of giving, donors like you are helping us write an incredible story. Your gift will add a new chapter and help fuel our success. Join us this season!
Sincerely,
<Signer Name>
If you are sending an email through Outlook with data provided by Development and Alumni Relations, you must include:
You are receiving this email because of your relationship with the University of Delaware Office of Development and Alumni Relations. If you no longer wish to receive this type of email, click here to update our records.
University of Delaware
<Mailing address>
Privacy Notice | Legal Notices
Thank You Email:
To: Your supporters
Subject line: Thank you for your support!
Preheader: Your donation made a huge difference for <Project Name/Team/Cause>
Dear <Recipient Name>,
Thank you for supporting <Project Name/Team/Cause> this GivingTuesday!
I’m so excited that we <achieved our goal/raised $$$> and can provide our community with valuable opportunities like:
<Insert impact>
<Insert impact>
<Insert impact>
Thank you again for helping us write an incredible story on the biggest day of HensGiving, our Blue Hen season of giving. Your support makes a world of difference!
Sincerely,
<Signer Name>
If you have questions or need additional information for thanking supporters of your project, email donor-relations@udel.edu.
Add a GivingTuesday presence to your website with this button graphic. Starting November 15, the button can be linked directly to udel.edu/givingtuesday. It's an easy way to spread the message and add some blue and gold to your site!
NOTE: Remember to remove all GivingTuesday images from your website and social platforms after December 1.
Donors who give $25 or more to any fundraising projects at udel.edu/givingtuesday from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 (or while supplies last) will receive a pop-up YoUDee mascot. Project leaders should use language explaining the rules of eligibility in their communications.
Sample language:
With a gift of $25 or more to [Project Name OR any GivingTuesday project], you will receive your own pop-up YoUDee! This promotion runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 (or while supplies last), only for gifts made to fundraising projects at udel.edu/givingtuesday.
Please avoid scheduling your GivingTuesday emails on days when existing communications from Development and Alumni Relations are scheduled.
Your GivingTuesday day-of emails should be sent between Noon and 6 p.m. on December 1 to ensure communications don't overlap. Constituents will receive the "official" kick-off email from Development and Alumni Relations in the morning, setting them up to be on the lookout for project-specific emails later in the day.
For communications leading up to GivingTuesday, you may send emails that link directly to the projects or “nests” (college- and cause-based landing pages) beginning November 15.
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations will send emails:
- Philanthropy Week: Nov. 16 and Nov. 20
- Pre-GivingTuesday (segmented and all constituents): Nov. 22, Nov. 24, Nov. 29
- GivingTuesday (segmented and all constituents): Dec. 1 at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Post-GivingTuesday Thank You (all constituents): Dec. 2