West Virginia University alumni and friends will have an opportunity to fuel advancement for future generations on March 25 during the ninth WVU Day of Giving, an annual 24-hour fundraising effort organized by the WVU Foundation.
It will be the first Day of Giving for WVU President Michael T. Benson who has put an emphasis on unrestricted scholarship support to allow for flexibility in meeting scholarship needs for students on their educational journeys.
“Throughout my first months as the University’s 27th president, I have been inspired repeatedly by the tremendous generosity of Mountaineers who are eager and willing to step up and invest in the future of WVU, whether that be through infrastructure, research, or our most valuable assets — our students,” President Benson said.
“One of the best ways to give is in support of scholarships, which often serve as critical resources in helping students finish their degrees. Our alumni and supporters understand the profound impact of the life-changing experiences WVU provides to our students each day, preparing them to serve others and lead across West Virginia and the world, taking the rallying cry of ‘Let’s Go!’ with them wherever they go.”
Day of Giving comes at a time of momentum for WVU, when the Fall 2025 retention rate from freshman to sophomore years set a new record at more than 85%. At the same time, first-time freshman enrollment across the WVU System increased by more than 7%.
Since 2017, WVU Day of Giving has helped make a transformational difference across the University System, raising over $142 million from more than 47,000 gifts. All areas of the University benefit, including student programs, groundbreaking research, infrastructure improvements, health care, athletics and more.
Above: Watch the 2026 WVU Day of Giving Save the Date promotional video
The fundraising impact can also be felt throughout West Virginia and beyond. A recent study by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach quantifies the combined annual statewide economic impact of WVU and the WVU Health System at more than $14 billion.
“WVU Day of Giving has served as a unifying moment each year during which our alumni and friends come together to make a collective difference,” Kristen Shipp, WVU Foundation executive director of annual giving, said. “We are so grateful for the unwavering support from Mountaineer Nation. We hope you will again consider making a gift and help us spread the word as we go above and beyond for West Virginia University.”
Alumni and friends wishing to help create excitement on the day can register to become a WVU Day of Giving ambassador in support of their favorite area of WVU. The top five registered ambassadors who inspire the most gifts through their unique URL will earn an extra $1,000 for their unit or program of choice.
Gifts of $5 or more on March 25 can be made online at dayofgiving.wvu.edu. Hourly and all-day challenges will offer exciting opportunities to secure additional funds based on participation, dollar amount raised, social media engagement and more. Participants will also be able to stay updated on challenge winners, live leaderboards and the donor wall.
All gifts are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.