For Alaska Concludes While Giving Day Continues

The eight-year For Alaska fundraising campaign comes to a successful close after raising $277 million, while Giving Day prepares for its fifth year of impact after raising $4.4 million.

By Matt Jardin

For many students, scholarships funded by the generosity of donors can mean the difference between debt and a degree. Fundraising efforts like the historic For Alaska campaign, which concluded this year, and the enduring Giving Day event, which continues next year, are critical giving opportunities that ensure students have the financial support they need to pursue higher education.

For Alaska

The University of Alaska (UA) has marked the conclusion of its ambitious eight-year fundraising campaign, For Alaska, which has significantly empowered students and enhanced the entire UA system — encompassing the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). Exceeding its original $200 million goal, the campaign raised more than $277 million, thanks to the generosity of 21,777 unique donors, including individuals, businesses and foundations. At UAA, 9,700 unique donors contributed to raise $89 million.

“We’ve not only surpassed our goals, but transformed students’ lives and vital programs, such as nursing, construction and finance,” said Bobi Rinehart, UAA director of development. “We’ve even saved three athletic programs from being cut! Donor generosity is building a brighter future for UAA and For Alaska.”

All contributions to the campaign benefited the purposes or areas of impact chosen by the donors, leading to the enhancement of student success, supporting faculty research and bolstering university programs throughout the state. The funds raised were distributed across the UA system, benefiting various academic departments and programs. Outright gifts, pledges and private grants made up over $262 million — about 95% of the total — available for immediate use. Another $14.5 million, from estate plans and bequests, will provide long-term support.

A total of 465 new funds were created to support scholarships, student services, internships, fellowships, research, faculty development and academic programs. Of these, 191 are endowed funds, ensuring perpetual support for the university’s students and programs.

Starting in 2017, For Alaska was the first-ever comprehensive fundraising effort across the entire UA system, as well as the largest philanthropic effort in Alaska’s history. This historic campaign underscores the transformative power of education by aligning with four major priorities set by the UA Board of Regents, each reflecting the universities’ commitment to building a stronger future for Alaska: education, workforce development, research and economic growth.

“We are deeply grateful to the donors who supported our universities during the For Alaska campaign,” said Megan Riebe, UA Foundation associate vice president of development. “Their gifts demonstrate the belief that education changes lives. Each gift reflects the unique tie our alumni, donors and friends have to UA.”

While the For Alaska campaign has officially ended, its impact will continue for generations, uplifting students, enhancing academic programs and shaping Alaska’s future, all thanks to the thousands of donors and supporters who came together to help shape tomorrow — for Alaska.

Giving Day

Meanwhile, Giving Day, another coordinated fundraising initiative occurring annually over a 49-hour period, is gearing up for its fifth year, slated for March 25–27, 2025.

While the goal of supporting student success systemwide remains the same, the approach is unique and decidedly more fun in its game-like elements. Donors, referred to as “champions” for the day, are encouraged to contribute to the areas they care about most while also rallying their networks to rise to the occasion and outraise friendly rivals UAF and UAS, much like the competitive spirit seen in a Seawolves vs. Nanooks hockey game. Additionally, successfully crossing fundraising thresholds unlocks certain donation matches.

This distinctive approach to a meaningful mission is what inspires donors of all sizes — from individuals to organizations — to continue contributing year after year.

“ConocoPhillips Alaska believes that investing in the students and programs supported by Giving Day builds momentum for the future of Alaska,” said Stephanie Erickson, Greater Prudhoe Bay Area manager for ConocoPhillips Alaska, one of Giving Day’s most consistent organizational donors. “We hope that donations from Giving Day inspire students to pursue their career aspirations, knowing that individuals and businesses throughout Alaska care about their future and the future of our state.”

Kicking off in 2020 — the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — the first Giving Day capitalized on the temporary shift to living in the online world, as most of its crowdfunding efforts were driven through social media, encouraging alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students to get involved. By the end of the inaugural event, 412 new donors were inspired to give.

To date, $4,407,433 has been raised from 6,566 donors across the entire UA system. At UAA, 3,718 donors contributed to raise $1,129,710 toward 19 areas, which include the university’s seven colleges and schools, four community campuses, as well as to the Excellence Fund, Alaska Native Student Success, Athletics, the Consortium Library, Graduate Education, Research, Student Diversity Initiatives and Student Needs and Financial Support.

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