Pacific Gives, the university’s annual day of giving, returns April 21 and 22. An annual tradition, Pacific Gives unites alumni and friends worldwide in supporting students and shaping their Pacific experience. 

For 24 hours, gifts of all sizes will count toward matches and participation challenges, unlocking additional funds for scholarships, academic programs, athletics and more across all three campuses.

Early giving began March 31. Donations can be made online and for a limited time, gifts up to $100 will be matched dollar for dollar. 

“This day exemplifies the power of community and collective generosity to change students’ lives through a Pacific education,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “I look forward to seeing Pacificans come together once more to champion student success in creative and resourceful ways.”

Last year, a record number of donors contributed more than $2.6 million, setting new Pacific Gives records for participation and funds raised. Gifts came from all 50 U.S. states—a Pacific Gives first—and from 31 countries. 

Participation, not dollar amount, is key. “Last year, 90% of Pacific Gives gifts were $100 or less,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Each gift was generous, and together they unlocked something even bigger, with an impact lasting far more than 24 hours.”

See last year’s Pacific Gives gifts at work.

During Pacific Gives 2026, alumni and friends will have dozens of opportunities to give, directly impacting students in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco.

This year, donors can support Pacific Global to help students overcome financial barriers to study abroad. Global learning is widely recognized as a high-impact experience that strengthens student success and retention, yet the cost of flights, housing and other expenses deters many Pacific students from participating.

During Pacific Gives, donor support will directly fund scholarships and travel assistance to help more students access these life-changing opportunities. The university’s Board of Regents will match study abroad gifts 2:1, up to $30,000.  

“Studying abroad was eye opening—it showed me that being a first-generation student, being low income, doesn’t need to limit me,” said Samantha Monarrez ’27, who spent a semester in Spain. “Studying abroad transformed me, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support I received.”

Pacific Gives impacts all nine colleges and schools and all 19 Pacific Athletic programs, along with support services like the Career Closet and the Military and Veteran Student Center, and a variety of student organizations. 

Donors can address students’ immediate needs with gifts to the Pacific Student Emergency Fund or the Pacific Food Pantry, which last year served more than 200 students experiencing food insecurity.

“I’m so grateful to the Pacific Gives donors for their generosity and dedication,” one pantry user shared. “The food pantry is a reminder of the goodness and concern that are found at Pacific. Being far away from family is a challenge, but knowing these resources are available makes me realize I’m never alone.”

Key to Pacific Gives’ success are hundreds of ambassadors, who passionately promote their fund of choice and recruit others to give. Last year, a record-shattering 433 ambassadors from all three campuses generated more than $508,000 in gifts.

All Pacificans are encouraged to sign up as ambassadors and participate in the You + 2 initiative: those who give and recruit two additional donors will receive exclusive Pacific Swag. 

“Pacific Gives is so successful each year because every Pacifican steps up to do their part,” Biedermann said. “I am grateful for the tremendous generosity we’ve seen for years and are already seeing this year. To each participant—thank you so much.”

To give early or become a Pacific Gives Ambassador, visit Pacific.edu/PacificGives.