Fresno State kicked off the month of November with Day of Giving, a 24-hour online fundraising campaign to help support student success.

More than 2,000 individual donations were made to Fresno State’s colleges and programs during Thursday’s second annual event.

University spokeswoman Lisa Boyles said Friday that an early estimate of $455,215 was raised from the 24-hour fundraising. Donations were up 7 percent from 2017, Boyles said.

“Students benefit because all of the donations support various colleges, departments, programs and areas on campus,” said Boyles. “Donations to the campaign will make possible benefits for students such as scholarships, internship programs and improved learning spaces.”

A live leaderboard kept track all day of donations being raised. The first Day of Giving in 2017 raised $424,755 from 1,123 different donors.

Alumni and friends of Fresno State were encouraged all day again Thursday to donate to different areas of the university in what is considered a growing trend of support to universities across the country.

The College of Arts and Humanities took the most gifts during the 2018 fundraising — ­a total of 511. The same college came in second place in 2017, with Athletics topping 2017’s fundraising with 186 donations that year.

Students held a 5 a.m. rally outside the Save Mart Center to pump up support throughout the morning. A large “thank you” note was signed and will be included in a video that will thank the donors.

Donations came in from 42 states and 18 countries.

Paula Castadio, Fresno State’s vice president for University Advancement, said in a news release that this year’s fundraising focused on increasing the number of donors.

“Day of Giving inspires a culture of philanthropy to advance our university and community,” Castidio said. “Alumni and friends will realize the difference they can make together in helping students achieve their dreams and strengthen our region.”

Collegian Editor in Chief Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado contributed to this story.­