Below you will find answers to many common questions about Big Give 2025.
When is it?
Big Give starts at 9 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, March 12, and continues through 9 p.m. PDT on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
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 11th 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.
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?
Yes, your gift is tax-deductible. You will receive an email confirmation that will serve as your receipt for tax purposes. The tax ID number for gifts to the UC Berkeley Foundation is 94-6090626.
Am I restricted in what I can support?
No. You can give to any existing fund across the campus.
Is there a minimum donation amount?
Yes, there is a $10 minimum donation during the event.
What is the You+2 Ambassador Program?
Through our You+2 Ambassador program, you can earn exclusive limited-edition Cal swag when you make a gift for Big Give and get two friends to do the same using your unique referral URL.
How do I decide where to direct my gift?
There are many giving opportunities at Berkeley. Gifts to any program — of any size — can make a crucial difference for students, faculty, research, and the communities our programs serve.
Can I make my gift by mail or phone?
Due to the short timeframe of Big Give, only gifts made by phone or online (here or at give.berkeley.edu) will count toward the contest goals or prize challenges. You can make a gift by phone at 510.643.9789 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. PDT on March 13, 2025.
Is it safe to make my gift online?
Yes. The information collected during Big Give is used by UC Berkeley only. Your information will not be sold or shared with any third-party organizations.
Can I give via stock in support of Big Give?
You can always give a stock gift to support your school or program. However, due to the short timeframe of Big Give, stock gifts will not count toward that day’s contests or total raised.
Can I make a recurring gift online?
If you would like to make a recurring gift, you can do so when you make your donation during Big Give (9 p.m. March 12–9 p.m. March 13) and choose a payment schedule that works for you. Just select “recurring” during the payment process. Your credit card will be automatically charged on the date(s) you select. With fixed-length recurring gifts, the entire value is added to Big Give contests and total raised; with open-ended recurring gifts, the payments anticipated in the first 12 months count toward those totals.
Can I give from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
During the event, you can pledge to give up to $25,000 by way of DAF, though the money needs to be received in the month of March to count. You should make such a commitment to a fundraiser for the school, college, or program of your choice or by emailing GiftHelp@Berkeley.edu.
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.***
How can I help spread the word?
Share what you think makes Berkeley glow so brightly — and why you gave today — on social media using the hashtag #CalBigGive! For further reach, you can sign up to be a Big Give ambassador. You can also get Berkeley and Big Give gifs, Zoom backgrounds, mobile stickers, and more at https://inspire.berkeley.edu/get-inspired/digital-swag/.
Can't find your fund here?
Visit give.berkeley.edu.
Still have questions?
Contact us at calgift@berkeley.edu