Giving Day 2026 revealed strong support for SPU students
Parents, alumni, faculty and staff, students, and friends came together on April 8 to support Seattle Pacific University during the University’s Giving Day 2026 Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraising effort benefiting scholarships, academic programs, athletics, student life, and emergency student aid initiatives.
By the end of the day, 823 donors had made 1,013 gifts totaling $267,044. According to University Advancement, 343 individuals made their first-ever gift to SPU during the event.
This year’s Giving Day also marked the first time the University hosted an in-person campus celebration tied to the annual fundraiser. President Deana Porterfield and Student Ministries Director Rev. Fred TenEyck opened the day with prayer in the Student Union Building, where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters gathered throughout the day for fellowship, donor thank-you activities, and fundraising challenges designed to unlock additional bonus funds.
One of the day’s most significant efforts centered on the Emergency State Grant Replacement Fund, which helps students facing financial uncertainty continue their SPU education. Donors came together to complete the fund’s $16,500 matching challenge, helping raise nearly $44,000 overall — enough to support at least 13 students next year.
University officials said the fund received especially strong support from faculty and staff donors, many of whom are also SPU parents themselves. The fund was also one of the most popular non-athletics areas of support among parents and families during Giving Day.
Senior Maripaz Gutierrez Corona, SPU’s Associated Students vice president and a first-generation college student, spoke during the event about the impact donor support has had on her educational journey.
“I want to thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us already, what you’re doing today, and what you’ll do in the future,” said the psychology major. “Because of your gracious donations, I was able to come to SPU and get this Christian experience that has opened many doors for me.”