Big Give 2023

Be a Shining Star

Faculty who illuminate understanding with groundbreaking research. New friendships whose light will shine through a lifetime. Creating knowledge and advancing practice wherever people interact with information and technology. What’s your I School star? From the star in Sather Gate to the ones explored by the James Webb telescope, the Cal galaxy is a brilliant one full of innovation, empathy, and generosity.

During Big Give, we ask you to show us your Cal constellation — the annual fundraising blitz is a chance to honor your Berkeley stars with gifts and social media shout-outs, giving Cal’s stellar programs, colleges, and organizations a shot at contest prizes and elevated visibility. 

This year participation is more important than ever! To kick off the campaign, a generous anonymous donor will match the first $500 donated and alumni donors Timothy B. DeWolf B.A. '68, M.L.S. '80, and Cristina Campbell M.L.I.S. '77 will contribute $5,000 when we have met our goal of 200 total unique donors.

Please join us on Thursday, March 9, 2023, to help the rising, emerging, and world-changing stars of the no. 1 public university shine on for generations to come.

Big Give

Upcoming Contests and Challenges

Donation Challenges

The I School Fund Donor Challenge

Alums Timothy DeWolf & Cristina Campbell will contribute $5,000 once 200 donors make gifts to the I School Fund.

The I School Fund Dollar Challenge

An anonymous donor will match $500 after the first $500 of the campaign has been contributed.

Social Media Contests:

What's Your Favorite Memory? | 9 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Random original post on Twitter or Instagram that fills in the blank, "My favorite memory at Berkeley is _____________________" wins $500. Include #CalBigGive and your program hashtag.

Most Creative Pet Post | 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Most creative post of a pet promoting Cal on Twitter or Instagram wins $500. Include #CalBigGive and program hashtag.

Most Creative Child Post | 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Most creative post of a future Golden Bear promoting Cal on Twitter or Instagram wins $500. Include #CalBigGive and program hashtag.

Random Picture Sporting Cal Gear | 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Random original post on Twitter or Instagram of you, family and/or friends wearing Cal gear wins $500. Include #CalBigGive and program hashtag.

Random Throwback Thursday Photo | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Random original post of your Cal Throwback Thursday (TBT) photo on Instagram or Twitter wins $500. Include #CalBigGive, #TBT, and program hashtag.

Thank Your Berkeley Star | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Random original Tweet or Instagram photo of a Berkeley professor, student, alum, club, or parent that has starred in your life wins $500. Please tag two of your favorite Cal people (not required, but highly encouraged — show them some love) and include #CalBigGive and the program hashtag.

Why Do You Give? | 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Random original Tweet or Instagram post that fills in the blank: "I give to # [Program hashtag] for #CalBigGive bc ________________ " wins $500.