FAQ
Q. What is Red Day?
Red Day is Lamar University's annual giving day campaign, which aims to inspire Cardinals to come together, show their LU pride, and provide essential funding to support current and future students. This special event shines a spotlight on giving at LU and creates a sense of energy, community, and pride around philanthropy.
Q. When is Red Day?
Red Day is on Thursday, September 14 beginning at 9:00amCT and will conclude on Friday, September 15 at 5:03pmCT. Each year, Red Day takes place around the anniversary of our university's founding on September 17, 1923. This year, we are celebrating Lamar University's centennial anniversary with 1923 minutes of giving!
Q. Can I participate in Red Day if I did not graduate from Lamar University?
Yes! Anyone may donate. Employees, parents, students, and friends are encouraged to support the university on Red Day. When prompted in the giving form, please select the role you are most closely affiliated with.
Q. Where does my Red Day gift go to?
That's completely up to you! Supporters are encouraged to consider designating all or a portion of their gift to The LU Forever Fund – the area of greatest need. You can also support the area on campus that means the most to you – a specific athletics team, an academic college or program, and more. If you don’t see the designation you are looking to support, you are able to type in your designation on the form when making your gift.
Q. Is my payment secure?
Absolutely - Lamar University's Red Day is facilitated by Bonterra (also DBA as GiveGab), a company who has partnered with Stripe, a PCI Service Provider Level 1 (the most stringent level of certification possible) to process all gifts made through Lamar.edu/RedDay. Read through Stripe's security documentation online. For more information about Bonterra, please see further below.
Q. Can I send a gift by mail or phone?
Yes. However, due to the tight period of Red Day, only gifts made online through Lamar.edu/RedDay or by phone count toward overall totals and competitions. If you would like to make a gift by phone, please call (409) 880-7498 to speak with a Red Day representative.
To give by mail, please print the Red Day gift return card form and return with your gift on or before September 19 to the address listed on the form. For any questions, please contact a Red Day representative by emailing Development@lamar.edu or calling (409) 880-7498.
Q. Is my Red Day contribution tax deductible?
Your gift is eligible for a tax deduction to the extent provided by law, and you will receive an email confirmation immediately following the submission of your gift that may serve as your receipt for tax purposes. You will also receive an official tax receipt that will be mailed to you from Lamar University's Foundation office within 30 business days.
Q. Does it cost anything to give on Red Day? How much of my donation will Lamar University receive?
Bonterra retains a 2.5% processing fee and an additional 2.5% + $.30 bank fee for donations made using MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover.
Q. What if I already made a gift to Lamar University this year?
Thank you for being part of the amazing LU donor family and for supporting the college and our students! We appreciate your commitment and encourage you to make an additional gift on Red Day.
Q. Can I help promote Red Day?
Please do! We would love for you to sign up to be a Red Day Champion to help promote Red Day to others by encouraging former classmates, family, and friends to join you in making a gift. To sign up, please visit Lamar.edu/RedDayChampion. By signing up, you will receive the exclusive Red Day Champion Toolkit which includes content, images, graphics and more to utilize in your posts and outreach!
Q. Can I use my employer's matching gifts funds?
Yes! We strongly encourage you to take advantage of your employer's generosity to enhance the impact of your support at LU. To see if your company offers this benefit or to learn more about your company's guidelines, visit our matching gift portal.
Q. How will the donation be reported on my debit/credit card?
Gifts made on Red Day will appear on your card as BONTERRA Lamar University.
Q. Who do I contact with questions about Red Day?
Email: Development@lamar.edu | Text: (409) 231-6984 | Call: (409) 880-7590
Q. What if my preferred area(s) of Lamar University cannot be found?
Please call (409) 880-7590 to speak with a Red Day representative, or send an email to Development@lamar.edu with your contact information and area(s) of preference and a Red Day representative will get in contact with you.
Q. Who is Bonterra (also DBA GiveGab)?
Bonterra is a nonprofit giving platform that helps nonprofits to raise money, engage donors and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. Bonterra offers a full portfolio of simple and easy to use products that allows organizations to function in a more streamlined manner.
Q. Who will receive my contact information?
The area(s) of Lamar University you choose to support will have access to your name and email address. This information is used solely to send thank you messages, provide the option to receive future notifications, and to notify you of future activities that may interest you.
Q. Will my credit card information be saved by Lamar University and/or Bonterra?
Your privacy is paramount. Neither Lamar University, Bonterra, nor Stripe stores this information.