Northern Essex Community College is participating in GivingTuesday this year, a global day dedicated to giving back, which will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

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 fourth 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.

Northern Essex’s Institutional Advancement Office decided to participate in GivingTuesday for the first time this year, viewing it as an opportunity to spread the good news about the generous donors whose support helps students to succeed.  “We really wanted to raise awareness of how vital donor support is to our students,” said Lindsey Mayo, director of alumni and community relations, who is organizing the college’s celebration along with Erin Willett Hiro, director of annual planning and advancement services.

The two say they are hoping to attract 100 donors on Dec. 1.

Donors are encouraged to donate online and the college’s institutional advancement team will also have tables at key campus locations on Dec. 1, where they will accept donations and share some of the good work being done, thanks to the NECC Fund and its donors.  The college will also be conducting an alumni phonathon on that day.

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

The art department, the science department, the library, the Student Engagement Center, and the Veterans 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 art supplies, 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 Lindsey Mayo at lmayo@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3621.

To donate online, visit the website.