FAQ

Q. What is Wear Black, Give Back: UNO Giving Day 2024?

WEAR BLACK, GIVE BACK is the University of Nebraska at Omaha's annual 24-hour day of giving to raise money for scholarships, colleges and programs, student groups and activities, athletics, inclusion and wellness, and much more. WEAR BLACK, GIVE BACK offers an opportunity to connect UNO alumni, students, faculty and staff and bring the UNO community together. WEAR BLACK, GIVE BACK is a chance to show our pride and resilience as Mavericks and to make an impact for the students of today and tomorrow. 

Q. When is Wear Black, Give Back?

Wear Black, Give Back will take place from noon to noon, Oct. 8-9.

Q. What is the goal of Wear Black, Give Back?

We hope to receive 5,000 gifts to UNO during Wear Black, Give Back. You can help make this happen by making a gift of $5 or more through this website. Starting at noon on Oct. 8, you can follow our progress toward this goal, which we hope to reach by noon on Oct. 9.

Additionally, many colleges and programs at UNO have their own unique goals that you can help achieve. If these goals are hit, generous donors have agreed to provide bonus dollars for scholarships, colleges and student organizations. 

Q. What am I supposed to do during Wear Black, Give Back?

It's all in the name! We've designed two ways you can participate that we hope are fun, fulfilling and Maverick-friendly:

WEAR BLACK: On Oct. 8, wear your UNO apparel with pride, and tell your friends, family and colleagues to do so as well! Share your spirit on social media with the hashtag #WearBlackGiveBack. More resources for social media posts can be found here. 

GIVE BACK: Make a gift of $5 or more during this 24-hour period and help us reach the 5,000-donor goal! 

Q. How can I follow along with this giving day's progress and activities?

We're glad you asked. Because we want Mavs across the globe to be able to join in the fun, Wear Black, Give Back is offering a number of ways you can follow along from the comfort of your home, office or phone:

• Check back regularly at givingday.unomaha.edu to see our progress toward our goals.
• Follow along on social media, where we'll keep you up to date.
• Tune in at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, for a student-hosted kickoff livestream from the UNO TV studio, featuring special guests and some surprise prize announcements!
• Listen in to mavradio.fm — UNO's stellar student-run radio station — where you'll hear great programming and updates throughout the day.

Q. Will my gift help students? How?

Your gift will most definitely help students — the how is up to you. You can choose to support student scholarships, your college, student organizations, Omaha athletics or one of the many other programs and causes at UNO we’ve highlighted as choices for this day. It’s your call. All donations will expand opportunities for UNO students and create an even better Maverick student experience.

Q. How do I get my Wear Black, Give Back UNO knit hat?

You’ll receive a complimentary UNO knit hat when you make one gift or multiple gifts totaling $75 or more during Wear Black, Give Back. Donate in one of these three ways: visit givingday.unomaha.edu, return a Wear Black, Give Back contribution card via mail OR select the giving link in an email you received from Durango. Gifts must be received by noon on Oct. 9, and hats will be mailed three to five weeks after the event.

Q. Can I participate even though I didn't graduate from UNO?

Of course - all are welcome! Parents, community members, friends and fans are all encouraged to support UNO during Wear Black, Give Back. The gifts of many will be combined to advance the transformational Maverick experience for every student on campus and the university’s impact across our region.

Q. What if I've already made a gift to UNO this year?

Thank you for your gift! You're a true Maverick. An additional gift - perhaps to a new cause or program - will help us reach our goal for Wear Black, Give Back, and we encourage you to participate in other ways, too: Wear your black UNO apparel on Oct. 8 and 9 and share to social media using the hashtag #WearBlackGiveBack and the web address givingday.unomaha.edu. 

Q. What's the deal with all the challenges?

We think a little competition makes things more fun, and who doesn’t love to put a costume on their pet? You might have your gift matched or even earn bonus money for your area of interest. Keep an eye on the Leaderboards page for a complete list of challenges, the rules and the winners. And follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for challenge announcements.

Q. Is there a minimum gift amount?

Yes, the minimum gift amount is $5. We have credit card processing fees and administrative costs to cover, but we’ve kept these as low as we can so everyone can participate. Gifts of any amount make a difference and will be counted toward the Wear Black, Give Back total.

Q. What if my favorite fund isn't listed as an option?

Well, that’s a bummer. We’ve chosen an inclusive group of funds to highlight for this giving day, and we hope you can find something that resonates with you and helps meet the 5,000-donor goal and giving challenges. If you would still like to make a gift to an area you have not found on this site, visit http://unofund.org to find more options for giving. 

Q. Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes, all gifts to the University of Nebraska at Omaha made through Bonterra and the University of Nebraska Foundation are tax deductible. Learn more here: https://nufoundation.org/legal.

Q. Can I make a gift by mail?

Of course. We encourage you to support the University of Nebraska at Omaha by mail at any time, but we must receive your gift, specifically designated for Wear Black, Give Back, by Oct. 9 for it to count toward the day’s totals. Gifts can be mailed to the University of Nebraska Foundation, PO Box 3465, Omaha, NE 68103-0465. Don’t forget to let us know what fund it’s for!

Q. What is Bonterra?

Bonterra, formerly GiveGab, is an online giving platform that helps nonprofits raise money and engage donors, allowing the organizations to function in a more streamlined manner. The University of Nebraska Foundation has chosen Bonterra to facilitate Wear Black, Give Back.

Q. Is it safe to make a gift online?

Yes, please don’t worry; online gifts made through Bonterra are safe and secure. Bonterra will not receive your credit card information, and it will never be shared or sold to a third party.

Q. Who do I contact if I have a question?

We’re here to help! Please email us at givingday@nufoundation.org or call Kristi Pease at 402-504-3332. If she can’t help you, she’ll connect you with someone who can.

Q. I'm super-awesome, and though I've made my contribution through Wear Black, Give Back, I still feel unfulfilled. What more can I do?

You're quite the Maverick! Please help us share the word about #WearBlackGiveBack by sharing the images and messages in our Influencer Toolkit on your social media accounts. Perhaps you might be interested in our ambassador program?

Q. I'm interested in sponsoring Wear Black, Give Back. Where can I learn more?

We’re so glad you asked! Check out SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES or contact Janelle Domeyer at janelle.domeyer@nufoundation.org or 402-504-3328 for more information.