DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis Athletics delivered a record-setting Give Day in 2026, raising $652,122 from 1,817 donors in support of its student-athletes, programs and key department initiatives.

The 10th annual campaign marked the most successful Give Day in department history, setting new records in both total dollars raised and overall participation during the 29-hour effort. The results reflect continued growth across the Aggie community and a shared commitment to investing in the future of UC Davis Athletics.

Give Day remains one of the department's most impactful fundraising initiatives, with contributions directly supporting scholarships, team travel, nutrition, equipment and program development—key resources that enhance the student-athlete experience and position Aggie programs for continued competitive success.

"Give Day 2026 was a record-setting moment for UC Davis Athletics, both in dollars raised and number of donors, and a strong reflection of the momentum we're carrying right now," said Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. "As we prepare for the move to the Mountain West, our alumni, parents and campus partners continue to show up in a big way. I'm especially appreciative of our coaches and staff who make this such a fun and engaging experience for our supporters. This kind of response says a lot about where we are and where we're headed."

Supporters had the opportunity to direct their gifts to the Champion Aggies Club Fund, individual sport programs and department-wide initiatives such as Sports Medicine and Aggie Leverage. Gifts of all sizes contributed to the campaign's overall success, underscoring the importance of broad-based participation.

Challenge gifts once again played a key role in driving engagement, with all 15 challenges unlocked throughout the campaign. Programs also competed in team-based challenges, adding a competitive element that energized both supporters and student-athletes. This year's team competition winners included lacrosse, men's soccer, gymnastics and women's golf.

Since its inception in 2017, Give Day has generated more than $3 million in support of UC Davis Athletics, with this year's results setting a new benchmark for future campaigns.

"This level of support is a testament to the dedication of our donors and their commitment to our student-athletes as we continue to raise the expectations and level of competition across our programs," said Chief Development Officer Liz Gullett.

As UC Davis Athletics prepares for its transition to the Mountain West Conference, the success of Give Day 2026 underscores the strength of its community and the momentum driving the department forward.

With a decade of impact behind it, Give Day continues to play a vital role in elevating UC Davis Athletics. The department extends its sincere appreciation to all who participated and helped make this year's campaign the most successful to date.

ABOUT UC DAVIS ATHLETICS 

UC Davis, ranked No. 2 among public universities by the Wall Street Journal in the value of a college degree, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked top in the United States in agriculture and forestry as well as No. 1 in veterinary medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27.