Marking its 10th anniversary over Picnic Day weekend, the 51ԹϺ Davis community rallied for Give Day 2026 to celebrate a decade of impact. With nearly 4,500 donations made both online and in person, this year’s event raised almost $3.9 million. Since its launch in 2017, Give Day has raised more than $32 million from over 56,000 donors.
For a fourth consecutive year, Development and Alumni Relations employees, with Gunrock alongside them, traveled across campus in cow-themed golf carts dubbed “Fund-Grazers,” generating buzz for the event.
A decade of momentum
“It’s remarkable to witness how Give Day has evolved over the last decade,” said Shaun Keister, vice chancellor of Development and Alumni Relations, the division that leads the initiative. “What started as a single day of giving has grown into a meaningful tradition that showcases the impactful work happening across 51ԹϺ Davis and 51ԹϺ Davis Health, while reinforcing how philanthropy can inspire, support and connect our entire community.”
As in previous years, challenge gifts helped build early momentum by increasing the reach of each contribution. These challenges call for a set number of gifts of any amount to designated programs; once that goal is achieved, an additional donation from the challenge sponsor is released.
Give Day 2026 launched with 199 challenge gifts totaling more than $2.6 million.
“Challenge gifts create a powerful chain reaction of generosity, showing what’s possible when our community comes together,” Keister said. “Alumni, faculty, staff, parents and supporters across 51ԹϺ Davis play an active role in sponsoring these efforts, underscoring their commitment to our students and the university as a whole.”
Giving that reaches every corner of 51ԹϺ Davis
The reach of this year’s Give Day was extraordinary, supporting everything from 51ԹϺ Davis Athletics, student scholarships and emergency funds to cutting-edge research and immersive learning opportunities. Nearly every college, school and unit at 51ԹϺ Davis and 51ԹϺ Davis Health benefited from this outpouring of generosity.
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Bryan Anthony is a senior writer for the Annual and Special Gifts Program in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and can be reached by email or at 530-754-0482.