Questions and Answers
Below you will find answers to many common questions about Raise Your Pick Giving Day 2024.
What is Raise Your Pick Giving Day?
Founded in 2023, Raise Your Pick (RYP) Giving Day is UTEP’s annual day of giving. On this day, alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends come together to support the people, places and projects at UTEP that mean the most to them, amplifying their impact through the collective power of our Miner Nation.
What is behind the name “Raise Your Pick?”
Whether you’re a Miner in El Paso, Dallas, Boston or Bhutan, you know the pride that comes with showing the world – or that stranger you pass wearing UTEP gear – your pick. It’s a sign of our solidarity for the university that transformed our lives. On this day, we invite you to raise your pick and support the university we love by making a gift. Not only will your gift leverage support for important areas on campus, but you will be part of a collective movement to support UTEP and transform the future of our students, all on the same day!
Why should I participate on Raise Your Pick Giving Day?
Whether you’re able to give $5 or $500, you are making an immediate and profound difference for our students, faculty, and programs. You are creating opportunities, changing lives, and transforming the next generation of community leaders as they build their future and ours.
How do I donate?
While on the givingday.utep.edu website, make your gift online by clicking "Give Now.”
To give by check, make it payable to “UTEP” with Raise Your Pick (RYP) Giving Day in the Memo and mail it to:
UTEP Institutional Advancement
Mike Loya Bldg., Ste. 218
500 W. University Ave.
El Paso, TX 79968
**Mail gifts must be postmarked by April 17 to count toward Giving Day.**
Is my Raise Your Pick Giving Day gift tax-deductible?
Yes. Please consult your tax advisor for advice related to your specific tax situation. Your official gift receipt for tax purposes will be emailed immediately after you make your gift online. Otherwise, you will receive a receipt via mail.
What are matches and giving challenges?
Matches and challenges are gifts that have been made in advance by individuals or groups. They are designed to increase the impact of your support.
Click on the Matches and Challenges tab to view all the available opportunities.
I gave earlier this year. Does that gift count?
We celebrate all our donors year-round, no matter when gifts are made. Raise Your Pick Giving Day, however, is specific to a particular time as we celebrate the University and the impact of Miner Nation. The following gift type will be counted for Giving Day:
ONLINE via givingday.utep.edu, made noon (MDT), April 16, through 8pm (MDT) April 17
BY MAIL if postmarked by April 17 and clearly indicated for Raise Your Pick Giving Day
IN PERSON at the Centennial Plaza Block Party on April 16
OTHER channels such as gifts of securities* or ACH payments executed by April 17 and including a memo that indicates intention to count for Raise Your Pick Giving Day
* For assistance making a gift of securities or through another channel, please contact giftprocessing@utep.edu
Who do I contact with additional questions?
Email: raiseyourpick@utep.edu
Phone: (915) 747-8533
I am having issues making my gift, who should I contact?
Please give us a call in UTEP Institutional Advancement at (915) 747-8533, and we will be happy to assist you with making your gift via credit card over the phone April 16, 12pm-5pm, and April 17, 8:30am-8:00pm.
Is there a minimum gift amount?
Yes, there is a $5 minimum for gifts made online. In-person donors at the Centennial Plaza Block Party may contribute a minimum cash gift of $1.
What is the easiest way to give to a fund that is not a Giving Day campaign area?
1.Type in "Other" under "Campaign Area" and select "Other Area at UTEP"
2. Select "Other" under "Fund Designation" and type in the name of the gift fund you would like to donate to
Are international donations accepted?
Yes. We accept gifts made internationally via credit card. Please note that payments with international credit cards are only possible if your bank has authorized the card for international transactions.
What are the hours of Raise Your Pick Giving Day?
The Raise Your Pick Giving Day campaign kicks off with early giving at 12pm MDT on April 16 and concludes at 8pm MDT on April 17.
Still have questions?
Contact us at pickaproject@utep.edu
