More than $1.37 million raised for students during Luther College’s 11th annual Giving Day

Luther College raised a total of $1,377,593 to support scholarships and world-class education during the college’s 11th annual Giving Day on Thursday, March 5. Gifts made on Giving Day are critical to the continued support and growth of the Luther Fund, Luther’s unrestricted current fund that supports all students, faculty, staff and community endeavors on campus.

“At Luther, we know that the future is shaped by those who believe in it,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “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.”

Giving Day 2026 was the most successful Giving Day in the college’s history with gifts from all 50 states and 10 countries. Organizers pointed out that Giving Day 2026 was Luther’s second record-breaking single day fundraising event during the 2025-26 academic year. The college raised a total of $592,631 during the sixth annual One Team Day held on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

Also in the numbers, more than 1,800 gifts—a remarkable increase from last year’s 1,600 donors – as Luther topped the previous year’s $1.2 million total.

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, spun a wheel for prizes, 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, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; Redmond, Oregon; Tucson, Arizona; and here in Decorah at Luther Day at The Landing.

Mark your calendars for next year, as Giving Day returns on Thursday, March 4, 2027.

Sending Luther Love to Our Donors

Thank you to everyone who supported Luther College during Luther Gives.