What is ROAR Day? 

ROAR (Raise Our Annual Responses) Day is RIT's annual day of giving, bringing the RIT community together to show our Tiger pride and the power of giving back. It’s a special opportunity for alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends to come together to support the area of RIT they feel most passionate about. This year’s 19th annual ROAR Day will kick off at Noon Eastern on Thursday, October 31 and end at 6:29 p.m. Eastern on Friday, November 1.

Why does ROAR Day end at 6:29 p.m. on November 1, 2024? 

With ROAR Day starting at Noon Eastern on October 31, 2024, 6:29 p.m. allows for the campaign to be active for exactly 1,829 minutes. Does this number look familiar? It should, since it is the year that RIT was founded. 

How can I make my ROAR Day gift?

Gifts of any size on ROAR Day are greatly appreciated. Visit rit.edu/ROAR between Noon Eastern on October 31, 2024 through 6:29 p.m. Eastern on November 1, 2024. If you’ve reached this page after ROAR Day, please still consider making your gift. While we encourage giving online during the 1,829 minutes of ROAR Day, gifts by mail intended for ROAR Day and postmarked by November 1 will be included in the giving day totals. To give by phone, please call 1-800-477-0376.

Can I give to any area of RIT on ROAR Day?

Yes! You may give to any area you feel most passionate about and 100% of your gift goes directly to the fund you designate. We do hope you’ll consider giving to RIT’s unrestricted funds that have an immediate impact and support broad efforts all over campus. Endowment spending only covers about four percent of the annual operating budget but truly unrestricted support provides university leadership the flexibility to prioritize the needs of our students. Unrestricted gifts provide resources that allow the university to take advantage of unanticipated academic and student life opportunities, make life-changing international experiences accessible, offer powerful career-building and research programs, and react to numerous unforeseen challenges our students face. 

Can I give to more than one area?

Yes! You can make multiple gifts at one time. As you check out one gift, make sure to select "+Add Another" on the gift menu to select the other areas you would like to support. Your card will only be charged once for the sum of your gift. You may select up to 5 unique designations. 

Is there a minimum ROAR Day gift amount?

Yes! We ask that all donors make a minimum gift amount of $5.00.

Besides giving, how can I help ROAR Day be a huge success? 

There are so many ways to spread the word! Visit our toolkit and be a ROAR Day ambassador; let your friends, family, and networks know that you’ve made a gift; and encourage them to give too. Post on your favorite social platform using #TigersROAR. Send an e-mail or text message; make a call. Whatever method you choose, your voice will make a difference in the success of ROAR Day.

When will my card be charged?

Your credit or debit card will be charged immediately after you make your gift.

What if I don't see my favorite area at RIT on the list?

If you do not see the school, organization or program that you would like to support, please select "RIT Fund (formerly Area of Greatest Need)" to give RIT the greatest flexibility, or choose "Other” and indicate where you would like to direct your gift.

Will I receive a receipt for my gift?

Yes! For gifts made through this online form, you will receive an immediate email confirmation that will serve as your official RIT receipt. Gifts by mail, online pledge payment, or other method will receive a receipt shortly after you make your gift. 

What is the Sentinel Society?

The Sentinel Society recognizes a community of leadership donors who make a meaningful annual investment in the university. Together, these donors play a pivotal role in providing gifts that provide financial aid scholarships and fund RIT’s most pressing and immediate needs across campus. To learn more, visit the Sentinel Society website. To join today, please complete our online form.

Already a Sentinel member? 

As a Sentinel member, you have a special opportunity to participate in ROAR Day. From Noon on October 31 through 6:29 p.m. on November 1, we are encouraging members to lead the way in ROARing for RIT. Simply enter the amount of your pledge payment, select the Sentinel Fund you support, may your payment, and select 'Yes' in the post-payment form letting us know this gift should be applied towards your active Sentinel Society pledge. 

Thank you for continuing to make an incredible difference for RIT and our students through your Sentinel Society membership.

Not a Sentinel Society member yet?

Sentinel members receive invitations to exclusive in-person and virtual experiences, early registration to select events, and recognition in our online Sentinel Honor Roll. They also receive exclusive membership communications, opportunities to engage with faculty and university leadership, and access to a community of like-minded philanthropists. You can complete your pledge online or download a form and mail it to the address provided. All Sentinel pledge payments made throught 6:29 p.m. Eastern on November 1 will count in ROAR Day.

Who should I contact if I have a question about my gift?

For general questions about your gift, please email impact@rit.edu. For any questions or to make a gift by phone call 800-477-0376.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

RIT, under IRS law, qualifies as a charitable and tax-exempt organization. If you make a charitable gift to RIT, you may take an income tax deduction. Under current law, contributions to charitable organizations are tax deductible only for taxpayers who itemize. For itemizers, such donations generally reduce taxable income and, therefore, federal income tax liability. RIT recommends you consult with a tax advisor when attempting to claim a charitable deduction. For more information, please visit the IRS website.