Record-Setting Luther College 11th Annual Giving Day Raises Almost $1.4 Million

Luther College raised almost $1.4 million during its 11th annual Giving Day last Thursday (03.05), making it the most successful Giving Day in the college’s history.

Giving Day 2026 drew gifts from all 50 states and 10 countries. Numbers include more than 1,800 gifts, an  increase from last year’s 1,600 donors, with the $1,377,593 raised topping last year’s mark of $1.2 million.

It was also Luther’s second record-breaking single day fundraising event during the 2025-26 academic year. The Decorah college raised over $592,000 during the sixth annual One Team Day held on November 20, 2025. 

Luther College President Brad Chamberlain said, “Once again, the Luther community demonstrated with record support their belief in Luther College and our ability to continue to shape the world one graduate at a time. We are grateful for all those who participated in Giving Day and how they have inspired and equipped us to create more Luther stories.”

Gifts made on Giving Day support the Luther Fund, Luther’s unrestricted current fund that supports all students, faculty, staff and community endeavors on campus.

Giving Day capped off “Luther Gives,” a weeklong campus event celebrating the generosity of Luther alumni, donors and campus community. Students wrote thank you notes to donors who funded their scholarships, made friendship bracelets, and responded to special notes from donors on why they give to Luther for Giving Day.

Alumni and friends also hosted Giving Day gatherings in communities across the country, including Iowa City, Rochester, Minnesota; Redmond, Oregon; Tucson, Arizona; and in Decorah. 

The next Luther Giving Day is set for March 4, 2027.