Countdown to SU Gives

On April 16, 2026, the campus community—along with alumni and friends and families—will come together for SU Gives, a day of giving in support of the scholarships, programs and experiences that help Seattle University thrive. Every gift, no matter the size, can make a legendary impact. Here are the top five things to know about this year’s event:

1. What is SU Gives?

SU Gives is Seattle University’s annual day of giving—a powerful, 24-hour celebration of community and impact where participants invest in the causes that matter most to them. Organized by University Advancement, this fundraising day supports the university’s growth and ensures future leaders have access to a holistic, Jesuit education in the heart of Seattle.

2. What can I support during SU Gives?

SU Gives features hundreds of different funds that people can support and that support is especially needed. In 2025, Washington state made significant cuts—about 50 percent—to the grant money allocated to students attending private universities. At SU, 67 percent of students demonstrate financial need, making funds that support scholarships and student resources essential for them to succeed and graduate.

This year, SU Gives is highlighting three priorities:

• The Seattle University Fund is a vital resource that sustains the university’s mission by providing immediate support where it’s needed most. Gifts to this fund enhance student services, scholarships, classroom equipment, recreational activities and more.
• The Annual Scholarship Fund ensures a high-caliber education remains accessible to deserving students by keeping college affordable and providing financial aid to those who need it most. Offering generous aid packages allows SU to attract students committed to making a difference in their professions and communities.
• The Competitive Excellence Fund benefits every Redhawk student athlete by providing essential resources such as cutting-edge athletic technology, comprehensive wellness services and more, all designed to create a championship culture and help Redhawk athletes thrive in the highly competitive West Coast Conference.

Along with these priority funds, there are two exciting new areas to support:

• The Veteran and Military Student Center supports students who have served in the armed forces and their dependents as they pursue education at Seattle University. Gifts to the center bridge gaps in funding from the GI Bill and military education benefits and provide critical support during students’ transition to higher education. 
• The Seattle University Museum of Art (SUMA) will be a new anchor for the visual arts in Seattle’s cultural landscape. Every contribution helps bring the gift of art to future generations of SU students and ensures SUMA becomes a vibrant place for creativity, learning and connection.

3. What is a challenge?

Thanks to the generosity of major donors and sponsors, SU Gives features a series of giving challenges that unlock additional funds when a certain number of gifts are made to a specific area. This means your gift could double, triple, even quadruple in impact.

Check the SU Gives site for details on all the challenges benefiting the causes you care about most.

4. How else can I support SU Gives?

Become a SU-pporter by amplifying SU Gives through your social networks. SU-pporters “like,” comment and post about the event on social media, sharing their love for SU and championing their favorite causes. Help us spread the word!

This year, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a new SU-pporter challenge. The faculty or staff ambassador who raises the highest total amount through their unique giving link will earn the opportunity to direct $5,000 to the SU Gives fund of their choice.

5. What happens during the big event on April 16?

Live fundraising updates will be shared on the SU website and social media so you can follow along, no matter where you are in the world!

Can’t wait until April 16? Visit the SU Gives  site to explore giving opportunities or make an early gift.