Questions and Answers
Below you will find answers to many common questions about Big Give 2024.
When was it?
Big Give 2024 took place from Wednesday, March 13 at 9 p.m. PT to Thursday, March 14 at 9 p.m. PT.
What is it?
Big Give is an online fundraising tradition that began in 2014, giving you and the entire Cal community — alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends — the chance to come together to support your favorite schools and programs. Now celebrating its 10th year, this annual day of giving allows you to amplify your generosity through awareness and contest prizes.
Why does Cal do this?
This effort celebrates Berkeley's brightest, most illuminating moments by supporting students, faculty, and research — and keeping Berkeley the premier public university in the world. From the smallest gift to the biggest, your generosity holds truly transformative power for campus and the world at large.
What are the contests?
The contests are a great way to help the Berkeley schools and programs you care about garner extra support.
BIG MATCHES: Donor-funded challenges that, when matched by the number of donors, gifts, or dollars, provide matching support to specific funds.
HOURLY CONTESTS: Special contests taking place throughout the day based on donations, social media participation, and luck!
GO BIG FOR STUDENTS: The top 15 student groups with the most gifts win.
AMBASSADOR CONTESTS: Sign up as an ambassador to receive a unique URL that tracks your donors, dollars, clicks, and shares for the opportunity to win additional prize money for your favorite programs when you meet the criteria for You+2.
***Groups found to be falsifying donor names and/or email addresses will be disqualified from the contest, removed from the leaderboards, and rendered ineligible for prize money.***
Are gifts made to Big Give refundable?
Due to the large number of gifts being processed, we are unable to offer any refunds for gifts made during Big Give unless they were made in error, in which case you should write to GiftHelp@Berkeley.edu. By supporting Big Give, you acknowledge that all gifts are final.
Is my Big Give contribution tax-deductible?
The deductibility of your contribution for tax purposes is limited to the amount that exceeds the value of any goods and services you are entitled to receive in return. In addition, a contribution that involves the right to purchase tickets for seating at our athletic events is not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your personal tax advisors for more information. If you have questions regarding the benefit amount associated with an Athletics gift, please contact Cal Athletics at 510.642.2427.
Can't find your fund here?
Visit give.berkeley.edu.
Still have questions?
Contact us at calgift@berkeley.edu