Boost the impact of your gift by participating in various challenges throughout the day! All campus units are encouraged to get in on the fun to support their favorite department, unit, program or fund. Please note that challenges are for online gifts only, and all times are EST.
*For more information on qualifying for challenges, visit our key terms and definitions page.
| Time Period | Challenge | Challenge Description | Total Award |
|---|---|---|---|
12 a.m. |
Kickoff
|
The first 5 funds to receive an online gift will win $1,000 each.
|
$5,000 |
|
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Lunchtime Crunchtime
|
The top 5 designations with the most unique donors between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. will each win an additional $1,000.
|
$5,000
|
| 11:59 p.m. |
Final Countdown
|
The last 5 funds to receive an online gift will win $1,000 each.
|
$5,000 |
ALL DAY CHALLENGES:
| Challenge | Challenge Description | Total Award |
|---|---|---|
WMU Experience
|
Join the WMU Experience Challenge happening on Instagram and Facebook. We will randomly select a commenter to win $1,500 to award to their favorite college or unit. |
$1,500 |
5k for 50
|
Let’s see Bronco Pride coast to coast! Receiving gifts from Broncos living in all 50 states will unlock bonus funds for the WMU Student Scholarship Fund. Make the map solid gold on Giving Day! |
$5,000 |
Golden Bronco |
The unit that has their best Giving Day will get their name on The Golden Bronco trophy! The winner will have the largest increase of unique donors from last year's result.* This winner will receive $10,000 in additional funds!
|
$10,000 |
Golden Bronco Runner Ups |
The next three areas who saw their 5-year highest total unique donors will receive a bonus gift! After the Golden Bronco winner, the first runner up will receive $4,000, second runner up will receive $3,000 and the third runner up will receive $1,000. |
$8,000 |
1903 Challenge |
The 1,903rd donor will get $1,903 added to the fund associated with their gift. |
$1,903 |
2021 EmPOWERed Challenge
|
The 2,021st donor and Champion will EmPOWER the college or unit associated with their gift by unlocking $2,021! |
$2,021 |
3603 Challenge |
The 3,603rd donor to Giving Day 2026 will release $3,000 to the college or unit associated with this gift. This marks the largest number of donors on this day in WMU's history. |
$3,000 |
5000 Challenge |
The 5,000th donor of the day wins $5,000 for the fund associated with their gift. |
$5,000 |
Bronco Fundraisers
|
The top five champions with the most unique donors on the Giving Day platform will win a bonus award of $1,000 for the area of their choice. |
$5,000 |
Dan's Challenge
|
AD Bartholomae will donate $1,000 each to the men’s and women’s program with the most donors on Giving Day. |
$2,000 |
Student Center Activities:
| Challenge | Challenge Description |
|---|---|
Power-Up Pep Band Performance |
Fight on, Broncos! Can you hear the sweet sound of WMU Giving Day? Power up with the pep band while they play with all their might in the heart of the student center. |
Crafting Kindness Corner |
Craft your WMU-inspired friendship bracelet, while supplies last. Think Swiftie vibes with plenty of brown and gold sparkle. While you’re here, write a thank you to the generous donors who support golden opportunities for Broncos. Show your WMU pride and share the Bronco love with the people who help make the dreams of students possible! |
City of Champions Showcase |
Celebrate a truly golden year of championships with an up-close view of the trophies that helped define Kalamazoo as the City of Champions. Check out the hardware, grab a selfie and soak up all the BIG wins for WMU Athletics. Alum DJ Chuck will also spin live, keeping the energy high as we honor the teams, the moments and the momentum that made this past year amazing. |
Bronco Unity Stroll |
Step up and shine with Bronco pride! Don’t miss the WMU National Pan-Hellenic Council/United Creek Council light up the student center with a spirited step show. |
A Pizza Our Gratitude |
No matter how you slice it, Giving Day helps ensure students at WMU have access to the resources, programs and opportunities they need to thrive. The first 50 students in line at 5 p.m. will receive a free slice of pizza. That’s amore, Broncos! |