FAMU, yesterday, concluded its annual 1887 Strikes Day of Giving campaign raising a total of $322,615.92. This figure marks a significant decrease of 55.28% from the previous year’s total of $731,494. Despite the drop in total funds, the campaign did see an increase in participation, with 2,587 donors contributing—106 more than the 2,481 donors who contributed last year.
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| FAMU's 2025 Day of Giving results |
The 31.45-hour campaign, held April 3–4, aimed to rally support for scholarships, academic programs, and athletics. While donor numbers grew, the average gift fell sharply from $295 to $124 per contributor. This disparity has sparked debate about economic pressures and institutional leadership.
The decline in monetary contributions raises questions about the underlying factors influencing donor behavior. Analyzing the situation from an academic perspective, two potential explanations emerge.
First, many FAMU donors may share the economic anxiety felt by many Americans, as concerns about jobs and finances rise due to the Trump administration's trade policies and budget cuts.According to study by the Conference Board, consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest level since January 2021, continuing a decline that began after President Trump took office. The short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions has reached its lowest point in 12 years, highlighting the growing unease among consumers.
Alternatively, the donor community may be expressing their dissatisfaction with FAMU’s interim leadership by withholding refusing to contribute financially. This sentiment could reflect a broader trend of alumni and supporters seeking stability and effective governance before committing their resources.
The 1887 Strikes campaign, which took place over 1,887 minutes from April 3 to April 4, aimed to mobilize the Rattler community to invest in the university financially by supporting student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and other causes.
FAMU VP of Advancement Dr. Anthony Neal, emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “This year’s theme, ‘Boots on the Ground,’ focuses on mobilizing the Rattler community to make a bold impact.”
Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Maurice Jenkins, Chief Development Officer, UNCF, was somewhat optimistic about the (preliminary) results, suggesting, that "while the total funds raised fell short of expectations, the increase in donor participation suggests a growing commitment to the university’s mission."
"FAMU has always been a solid brand, and but translating loyalty into sustained support is critical," he added. "That is something that the university is going to have to take strong look at to examine what happened here. A 55% drop off in funds is very concerning."
1887 Strikes campaigns over the years
- 2025 - $322,615.92 raised
- 2024 - $731,494 raised
- 2023 - $686,000 raised
- 2022 - $640,383.59 raised
- 2021 - $349,169 raised
- 2020 - $213,000 raised