Driving Student Philanthropy Awareness

Freshman Mac Vore happened upon the Ball State Foundation’s Instagram account as a senior in high school. It was on “One Ball State Day”—the University’s annual 24-hour online fundraising event.

Ms. Vore was drawn into the high-energy posts and challenges like “gifts from all 50 states will unlock a $5,000 gift from the Alumni Council.” She saw posts of dogs, families, and cars outfitted in Cardinal gear, tagged with “#OneBallState!” She saw videos of the campus abuzz with activity stations, treasure hunts, trivia games, and themed photo booths.

“I followed along all day and knew I wanted to be part of it,” said the Theatre Education major from Pennville, Ind.

Ms. Vore learned that students—through the Philanthropy Education Council (PEC)—play a major role in One Ball State Day. “I applied to be on the PEC the first day applications opened my freshman year,” she said. PEC is the Foundation’s official student group in charge of student and campus engagement and philanthropy for One Ball State Day.

“Our mission is to educate our peers about philanthropy at the University and answer the call to Beneficence,” Ms. Vore  said. “I have learned so much about organizing and planning as well as networking and advocacy. I am excited to be part of these important events for the next four years.”

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awarded the PEC with Circle of Excellence and Best of CASE V awards for student engagement programs in 2022. Brittney Grim, ’13 MA ’18, who advises the council, said the team of about 10 members encouraged more than 500 gifts from students during the 2022 One Ball State Day.

“This is my third academic year with PEC. It has been exciting to watch students become passionate about philanthropic engagement and take that with them into their careers,” said Ms. Grim, director of student and young alumni philanthropy.