Watch your money compound on Day of Giving through matches and challenges

Bemidji State University’s Day of Giving is when fundraising becomes a movement and community becomes action.

The best way to get ready for the big day — and how to maximize your impact — is to plan ahead on when to give your gift on Thursday, Feb. 19. This year's challenge and match opportunities are a great way to double your dollars.

There are a number of all-day challenges, or, if you want to be strategic, there are time-sensitive boosts for you to target early in the morning, during a break in the middle of the day, or later in the evening.

Mark your calendar. Set your alarm. Come ready to build the dam together! Below is a look into the challenge and match opportunities for Day of Giving 2026.

Early Bird Gets the Worm Challenge — 5 a.m.

Rise and shine! If you are one of the first five people to give $150 or more at 5 a.m., you will get a dollar-for-dollar match up to $300 for the fund that means the most to you. Your gift sets the tone for the whole day. Sponsored by an anonymous donor.

Lunchtime "Power Hour" — 12-1 p.m.

Your break for lunch. Their fast break. The designation with the most individual donors giving gifts of $10 or more during this one-hour Power Hour will get an extra $500 in funding. Every donor matters because being involved is powerful. Sponsored by Allyssa "A.J." Joseph and DaQuan Jewell.

End Strong Challenge — 6-11:59 p.m.

Finish the campaign on a high note for our students. Give the largest single gift between 6-11:59 p.m., and you’ll receive an extra $500 for the fund of your choice. Sponsored by Rick '73 and Sue Black.

The Final Countdown Challenge — 11-11:59 p.m.

Don't miss the last few minutes! The last five gifts of $200 or more before 11:59 p.m. will be matched up to $200 each, which will go directly to the fund you choose. This chance will be gone right before the clock strikes midnight. Sponsored by an anonymous donor.

With a Little Help from My Friends Challenge — All Day

Your voice makes people want to give. The first advocate to get 10 people to give $10 or more will get $500 for the fund they choose. People give when they trust the person who is asking. Sponsored by an anonymous donor.

Team Spirit Challenge — All Day

Team spirit means helping each other support students. The athletic program with the most individual donors at the end of the day will get an extra $1,000 in funding. Highlighting how collaboration makes a difference, we are stronger united. Sponsored by an anonymous donor.

The "Monarch of the North" Challenge — All Day

Crown the fund that gets the most people to donate. At the end of the day, the fund with the most individual donors will be christened as the Monarch of the North and receive an additional $1,000 in support. Sponsored by Allyssa "A.J." Joseph and DaQuan Jewell.

The Beaver Boost Challenge — All Day

The fund that has the largest overall support, based on the total amount of donations raised and the number of donors who contributed, will get an extra $750 in funding. Sponsored by an anonymous donor.

Social Media Challenge: Show Your Beaver Pride — All Day

Be proud of to be a Beaver and make an immediate difference. Secure an extra $25 in support if you give at least $25 to your chosen fund and post a picture of yourself in BSU gear on social media, along with a message explaining why you chose that fund. Visibility builds momentum, and momentum will change the lives of our students. Sponsored by Angela '03 and Danny '03 Schmidt.

Social Media Challenge: Why I Give — All Day

Your story is important. After you give, post a 10-20-second video explaining why you gave and get an additional $50 for the cause you support. Stories don't just make people want to give; they also give gifts meaning. Sponsored by an anonymous donor.

Matches

Matches are available for a number of designations. Donations made to these areas will unlock additional funding of the same amount, up to the listed total, for that designation. The matches are:

• American Indian Resource Center: An anonymous donor will match up to $7,500
• Aquatic Biology: Joe '80 and Patty '81 Grabowski will match up to $2,000
• Boates Chemistry Endowment: Ben Tsang '71 will match up to $10,000
• Bucky Forever Fund: Joanne Provo '82 will match up to $1,500
• Chemistry: Abby '01 and Chris '01 Meyer will match up to $500
• For the North Community Partnership Endowment: Robin Kelleher '72 will match up to $10,000
• International Student Organization: Kevin Stensberg will match up to $1,000
• Lakeside Advancement Technology: Doug '10 and Sue Fredrickson will match up to $30,000
• Music: Dave '80 and Terri Thomas will match up to $5,000
• Music: Jan Lueken will match up to $12,500
• Random Acts of Kindness: Jan Lueken will match up to $12,500
• Student Center for Health & Counseling: Dr. Lee Norman '74 will match up to $2,500
• Technology, Art & Design: The EDPA - Midwest will match up to $5,000
• Athletic Scholarships: Craig and Nancy Katz will match up to $500
• Athletic Scholarships: Emily and Britt Lauritsen will match up to $1,000
• Every Athletic Program: Emily and Britt Lauritsen will match up to $100 each
• Women's Cross Country/Track and Field: Ann '92 and Craig '79 Hougen will match up to $1,000
• Women's Cross Country/Track and Field: Scott '77 and Kate '78 Pearson will match up to $1,000
• Football: Mark '78 and Zoe Wambach will match up to $1,500
• Football: Abby '01 and Chris '01 Meyer will match up to $500
• Men's Hockey: Dave Mueller '78 will match up to $5,500
• Men's Hockey: An anonymous donor will match dollar-for-dollar for former players from 1975-79
• Softball: Abby '01 and Chris '01 Meyer will match up to $2,000
• Volleyball: Abby '01 and Chris '01 Meyer will match up to $500