March 24-25, 2026
Giving Day + March Mania
Lehigh Athletics and Development and Alumni Relations have combined their annual challenges into one 48-hour giving event.
2026 was a huge success!
Alumni, staff, faculty, parents, friends, and students stepped forward to show their support for Lehigh and the student experience. Over two days, we raised more than $3.2 million from over 4,700 donors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Giving Day + March Mania?
Giving Day + March Mania is a two-day combined challenge for Lehigh University. It is a time when the entire community rallies together to make gifts that move Lehigh forward, supporting students, the university, and its future legacy.
When does Giving Day + March Mania take place?
The 2026 event was Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25. Check out the results.
Who can participate in Giving Day + March Mania?
The challenge is open to the entire Lehigh community, including alumni, faculty, staff, parents, families, friends, and current students.
Why is philanthropy necessary if I already pay tuition?
Philanthropy is vital because the actual cost to educate a Lehigh undergraduate (approximately $101,000) is significantly higher than the price of attendance ($82,200). Furthermore, tuition and fees only cover about 61% of the university's total budget, while philanthropy underwrites more than 19% of annual costs.
Where can I direct my gift during Giving Day + March Mania?
Donors can choose to support a wide variety of areas, including:
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Athletic teams and programs
- Specific colleges and academic departments
- Student initiatives and clubs
- The broader campus experience.
How else can I support Giving Day + March Mania if I cannot make a gift?
There are many non-monetary ways to participate:
- Become an advocate: Promote the event on social media using #SupportLehigh.
- Educate others: Share what you've learned about how philanthropy impacts the Lehigh experience.
- Express gratitude: Take a moment to thank a donor for their support.
- Follow the progress: Watch the challenge unfold over the two days to see the impact of community support.
- Socials! Like, comment, and share what resonates with you from those who are posting.
Do small gifts really make a difference?
Absolutely. Every gift matters regardless of size. In the last fiscal year, over 75% of all gifts to Lehigh were below $500. Students are encouraged to participate in Giving Day + March Mania with gifts as small as $5 or $10.
Why can’t the university just use the endowment?
The endowment is not a liquid savings account; it is an investment designed to last for generations, similar to a retirement account. Lehigh only takes an annual distribution of about 5% from the endowment. Additionally, 74% of endowment funds are restricted for specific uses designated by the original donors, meaning they cannot be used for general daily expenses.
How does research factor into Lehigh's budget?
While research is a cornerstone of a Lehigh education and helps attract top faculty, it actually operates at a net cost (it loses money). Philanthropy helps cover the gaps where research expenses outpace available funding.
What are the on-campus activities for students?
There are several ways for students to join Giving Day + March Mania fun:
- Tuesday, March 24 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Visit the STEPS Lobby to learn about philanthropy, make keychains, and pet Grace, the therapy dog.
- Wednesday, March 25 (7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.): Join the Association of Student Alumni for Trivia Night with prizes in the Clayton UC Great Room.
- Campus Reward: If Lehigh hits its goals, students may receive a coupon for free scoops at The Cup.
Top 5 Things to Know About the Colleges at Lehigh
As part of Giving Day + March Mania, explore the colleges where students learn, research thrives, and your support helps ideas move forward.
