Frequently Asked Questions

 

General

What is Back the 'Birds?
Back the ’Birds is our 24-hour day of giving where the entire Thunderbird community rallies together to support UBC student-athletes. For one day, supporters can back their favourite teams and help fund the resources student-athletes rely on in competition and in the classroom.
When is Back the 'Birds?
Back the ’Birds is on Tuesday, September 15. While the event lasts 24 hours, the celebrations will continue at our homecoming game on Friday, September 18.
How can people get involved?
Most participation happens online. You can make a gift, share messages about your favourite Thunderbirds team and encourage others to join in.

Share Back the ’Birds with your friends, family and networks using #UBCBacktheBirds. You can also become a team champion to receive toolkits and resources that help you rally support for your favourite team. Throughout the day, you can watch totals update in real time on the Back the ’Birds website. For more ideas and resources, visit backthebirds.ubc.ca/champions.
What makes my donation on September 15 special?
On September 15, your Back the ’Birds gift can go even further thanks to Challenges that unlock bonus funds for your favourite team. Visit the Challenges page to see the different ways you can help boost your team’s total. Some Challenges reward donor participation, while others match individual gifts.

Make a plan to give on September 15, then invite your network to join you. The more support your team receives, the more bonus funds you can help unlock together.
Why does UBC Thunderbirds Athletics have Back the ‘Birds day?
Back the ’Birds brings the Thunderbird community together to support student-athletes and celebrate UBC teams. It also creates friendly competition between teams as supporters help fund the resources athletes need on and off the field of play.
What difference can one day really make?
Days of giving are about the power of many people acting together. In 24 hours, gifts from across the Thunderbird community can add up to meaningful support for student-athletes, teams and programs.

Back the ‘Birds Challenges

What are Back the ‘Birds Challenges?
Challenges are a fun way to help your gift go further. When a Challenge hits its goal, bonus funds are unlocked for your team or cause.
Which gifts count toward Challenge goals?
Gifts made online through the Back the ‘Birds website on September 15 count toward Challenge totals.
How are Challenge funds allocated to Back the ‘Birds teams and causes?
The allocation of funds varies by Challenge. Find out more here.
How can I become a Challenge donor?
Challenge donors inspire others to give by leading with a gift of $1,000 or more. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Challenge donor, contact Yasemin Ozbay at [email protected].

Making a Gift

How can I make a gift to Back the ‘Birds?
Online
By Phone
  • Call us at 604-827-4111 or toll-free 1-877-717-4483. On September 15, we will be available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PDT.

By Mail
  • Complete the Printable Gift Form
  • Make your cheque payable to the University of British Columbia
  • Mail to:
      UBC Annual Giving
      500-5950 University Blvd
      Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z3
    *If possible, please send your cheques in advance of September 15 to count towards the Back the 'Birds total.
Is it safe to give online?
Yes, UBC uses a secure payment processing system.
Is there a minimum donation amount?
No, every gift makes a difference and will receive a tax receipt in accordance with CRA guidelines.
Can I make more than one donation?
Yes! You can donate as many times as you like. To give to multiple teams in one credit card transaction, call us at 604-827-4111 or toll-free 1-877-717-4483. On September 15, we will be available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PDT. Otherwise, please visit the online pages of your favourite teams and give.
However, please note that for the purposes of Back the ’Birds Challenges, only one gift per donor per cause will be counted.
Can I make a donation before September 15?
Yes! All gifts before September 15 will count towards our Back the ’Birds total. Just keep in mind Back the ’Birds Challenges are time-sensitive and require gifts to be made through the website on September 15.

You can check the rules on the Challenges page to make sure you’re maximizing your impact.
Can I make a monthly donation to my favourite Thunderbirds team?
Yes, you can support your favourite Thunderbirds team with a monthly gift. Because monthly gifts are processed through a separate donation page, you’ll need to follow the monthly giving link from the team page to set up your gift. From there, you can choose your monthly gift amount and complete your donation. Click here to make a monthly donation.
 
You’ll automatically receive a tax receipt for your first gift, in accordance with CRA guidelines. Another tax receipt detailing all your monthly gifts will be sent in February next year.
Will I get a tax receipt?
Donors will be issued official receipts in accordance with the rules of the Canada Revenue Agency. The “Cardholder Name” field will be used on the tax receipt and must match the billing details you provide. If there is a discrepancy, you will not be able to claim your tax receipt.
Where does the money go?
Every dollar raised during Back the ’Birds goes directly to the team or cause you choose to support. Funds are deposited into each team’s account and are accessible to coaches to be used for the specific priorities they’re fundraising for. Whether that’s new equipment, travel to key competitions, academic support, or team-building opportunities, your gift goes straight to work helping student-athletes succeed both on and off the field of play.
What will you do with my information?
Your information is collected under the authority of section 26(c) of the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. UBC will use this information to process your gift, maintain contact and keep you up to date with university information, events and fundraising. We will not disclose your identity and contact information unless you authorize us to do so. UBC does not sell, rent or trade donor lists.

Impact and More Information

What impact has Back the 'Birds had in previous years?
Back the ’Birds has grown each year since it began. In 2025, more than 2,500 donors helped raise over $553,000 for UBC Thunderbirds teams and causes. This support helped fund equipment, travel to competitions, mental health initiatives, scholarships and other resources student-athletes rely on throughout the season. Learn more at https://give.ubc.ca/back-the-birds-your-impact/.
How can I get in touch for more information?
We're here to answer any questions you might have!  Email us at [email protected] or call 604-827-4111 or toll free 1-877-717-4483.