11,423 donors raised $3.26M for vital University initiatives on Pitt Day of Giving

The Pitt community went all in to show its generosity, commitment and love for the University during the ninth annual Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) on Feb. 25.

A total of 11,423 donors representing all 50 states, 23 countries and five continents gave to dozens of areas and funds across each University of Pittsburgh school, college and campus as well as many student organizations. This year’s daylong fundraising sprint generated more than $3.26 million for scholarships, research, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and other vital initiatives.

“Every year on PDoG, the Pitt community comes together to create amazing possibilities across the University,” said Kris Davitt, senior vice chancellor for philanthropic and alumni engagement. “Our terrific alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends respond with their whole hearts when called on to support the area that means the most to them. Their commitment generates countless opportunities for our students, faculty and researchers to excel and break new ground.”

Students, faculty and staff celebrated the day with activities, challenges, prizes and giveaways. In Pittsburgh, students who found a plush Pitt Panther hidden on campus could direct a $50 donation, made possible by a Pitt community donor, to a University organization of their choice. Others donated items to the Pitt Pantry, enjoyed meals and treats from local food trucks, or put their Pitt knowledge to the test in trivia competitions at the William Pitt Union, during the men’s basketball game and even on the 10A shuttle bus route.

More than 6,300 supporters signed on as PDoG Ambassadors, using their personal social media accounts, emails and texts to encourage others to make gifts, too. This year’s PDoG spotlighted the University’s mascots: Pitt-Greensburg’s Bruiser Bobcat, Pitt-Johnstown’s PJ, Pitt-Titusville’s Pounce, Pitt-Bradford’s Panther, and Roc at the Pittsburgh campus. In a series of zany videos, the five felines brought their talents to the PDoG Marketing Committee, and the PDoG website featured a video game that gave players the chance to dash across campus as their favorite mascot.

Challenge funds, provided in part by University trustees and leaders, allowed the Pitt community to participate in friendly online competitions. Throughout PDoG, gifts were tracked and updated on real-time, online leaderboards. The schools, programs and student organizations that landed at the top of the boards received additional funding.

The 2025 challenges and winners included:

• Schools and Colleges Raise the Bar Challenge — $100,000: Pitt Law took the top spot with a 73% increase in donors — 227, compared to 131 in 2024. Winnings will be distributed to the 15 schools, colleges and campuses that exceeded their 2024 donor total.
• Schools and Colleges Level Up Leaderboard — $30,000: Winnings will be distributed evenly across the nine schools, colleges and campuses that “leveled up” by reaching their 2025 donor goals.  
• Places, Experiences + More Participation Leaderboard — $30,000: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, $10,000; Student Affairs, $7,500; Falk Laboratory School, $5,000. These winnings are also distributed among the top 10 leaders.
• Student Organization Leaderboard — $10,000: Catholic Newman Club, $5,000; Pitt Rowing Club, $2,500; Pitt Men's Glee Club, $1,500; Club Cheerleading, $1,000
• Schools and Colleges Power Hour — $2,000: Pitt-Greensburg
• Places, Experiences and More Power Hour Challenge — $1,500: Falk Laboratory School
• Student Organizations Power Hour Challenge — $1,000: Pitt Rowing Club

Challenges for these donor groups surpassed their participation goals:

• Faculty and Staff Challenge: A record-setting 2,496 Pitt faculty, staff and retirees made a PDoG gift, surpassing the challenge’s goal of 2,380 donors that was set in honor of Pitt’s 238-year history. $5,000 will be awarded to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, the fund with the most donors from that group.
• Graduates of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Challenge: 1,249 alumni from the classes of 2015 to 2024 made a gift, topping the goal of 1,000 donors. A total of $2,500 will be awarded to Catholic Newman Club, the fund with the most G.O.L.D. donors.
• Parents Challenge: 2,034 Pitt parents made a gift in this challenge’s first year, and $2,500 will be awarded to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund. The challenge’s goal was 2,000 donors.

“Like no other day of the year, PDoG shows the tremendous blue and gold pride of Pitt supporters around the world,” said Jake Strang, associate vice chancellor for individual giving, university programs. “I’m grateful for their commitment and lasting impact on academic programs, research, scholarships, student life and other priorities that enhance the University and make so much possible. Together, we truly are unstoppable.” 

See all the results at Pitt Day of Giving.

Photography by Angela Shine