Giving Day 2026 Empowers Every Seawolf With Record-Breaking Number of Donors

Stony Brook University's eighth annual Giving Day served as a proud reminder that together, Seawolves can achieve anything.

More than 4,000 alumni, faculty, staff, students, family members and friends were inspired to show their support for 24 Hours To Empower Every Seawolf during the university-wide initiative that crescendoed on March 25. This show of support was the largest ever in the program's history, surpassing last year's donor participation and demonstrating the growing momentum and collective commitment of the Seawolf community.

More than $770,840 in total impact was contributed for over 150 programs and funds benefiting student experiences, academics, research, healthcare and more across Stony Brook's campuses. With so many options to create a difference, supporters chose to make contributions directly to the area they wished to impact most, allowing them to give in meaningful and purposeful ways.

"Giving Day is a powerful example of the spirit that defines our Seawolf community," said Stony Brook President Andrea Goldsmith. "Seeing the largest number ever of our alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite to support Stony Brook is both inspiring and deeply meaningful. I am grateful for our incredible donors whose support is so essential to accelerating our excellence and impact across education, research, healthcare and service to our community, the great state of New York, the country and the world."

This year, Seawolves also broke Giving Day records through the Giving Day Advocacy Program. More than 120 Giving Day Advocates raised over $63,000 through 825 gifts by sharing their personal connections to Stony Brook and inspiring support among their own networks.

"Giving Day is always an exciting time, as it shows the extraordinary impact each person can make in a single day and, collectively, how these gifts build momentum to empower Seawolves," said Scott Barrett, interim vice president for Advancement. "Every gift makes a difference and helps open doors for our students, faculty and communities we serve - shaping the future of Stony Brook."

Read the full story by Kristina Brandt at SB Matters.