UAF donors contribute $812,373 during Giving Day 2025

More than 1,100 University of Alaska Fairbanks supporters donated $812,373 during the fifth annual UA Giving Day event March 25-27.

The event set another participation record for UAF, with 1,150 donors making gifts to more than 80 scholarships, programs and initiatives over the course of 49 hours. UAF’s top priority this year, the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center, drew 126 individual donations, unlocking a $50,000 challenge gift from Chugach Alaska Corp.

“Thank you to Chugach for generating the momentum to push us even closer to making history with the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center,” said UAF Chancellor Dan White, whose Day 1 challenge generated more than 50 gifts to the Troth Yeddha’ project in less than 8 hours. “I’m grateful to everyone who came out in support of UAF during Giving Day. You are a vital part of ensuring the continued success of our programs and students.”

During Giving Day 2025, donors unlocked 85 matching gifts from individual and business sponsors, including 14 matches of $10,000 or more. The event drew donors from 44 states and several countries. Of the 1,150 individual donations, 447 came from UAF alumni, a jump of 15% in alumni giving.

In addition to the Troth Yeddha’ initiative, Giving Day donations fund scholarships and support programs for UAF students, as well as scientific research, community education and outreach, and Alaska Nanooks athletics.

"We are grateful to the benefactors who inspired more than 1,000 donors to participate in this year's Giving Day with their generous challenge and match offers," said Theresa Bakker, director of development and alumni relations. "Nanook Nation always shows up. The generosity of our alumni, staff, faculty and supporters is almost overwhelming. It shows to the world our leadership and sense of responsibility in strengthening our university, not just for today's students but for future Nanooks."

UA Giving Day is a crowdfunding-style philanthropy event. It ran from noon on March 25 through 1 p.m. on March 27.

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