Northern Essex Community College is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, which will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 29.

On that day, faculty, staff, alumni, and community donors are invited to contribute to the NECC Fund, which provides students with scholarships and faculty and staff with program grants that enrich the educational experience.  The campaign is also designed to reach students and build awareness of the generous support that the college receives.

Now in its fifth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many nonprofits focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

This year marks the second time that Northern Essex’s Institutional Advancement Office will participate in #GivingTuesday.  Last year’s 24-hour hour campaign brought in over 140 gifts and pledges to the NECC Fund, and the college’s institutional advancement team is hoping for a strong response again this year.

NECC alumni and friends are encouraged to demonstrate their support by donating online. The institutional advancement team will have tables at key campus locations on November 29, where they will accept donations and share some of the good work being done as a result of NECC Fund support. Alumni volunteers will team up with current students to phone prospective donors.

Since its inception, the NECC Fund has provided over $400,000 in support for student scholarships and academic programs.

The Art Department, the Natural Sciences Department, the library, the Student Engagement Center, and the Student Success Center are the most recent beneficiaries of NECC Fund grant awards.

Past NECC Fund grants have supported the purchase of upgraded lighting for the college’s theater; bleachers and personal lockers for the gymnasium; and state-of-the-art equipment for classrooms.  Grants have also helped to increase experiential learning opportunities for students by providing funding for trips to New York City, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.

For more information on #GivingTuesday, please contact Erin Willett Hiro at ewillett@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3857.