Day of the Badger 2026 Raises Over $2 Million for UW-Madison

Annual fundraising event sees strong alumni and donor participation to support students, research, and campus programs.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:37am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring the UW-Madison Badgers logo repeated in a grid pattern, using a high-contrast, neon color palette to create a modern pop art effect.The vibrant visual celebration of UW-Madison's annual Day of the Badger fundraiser captures the energy and school spirit of the Badger community.Madison Today

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association's seventh annual Day of the Badger event, held April 14-15, 2026, raised over $2.1 million from more than 7,100 gifts to support a variety of causes across the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The total includes over $950,000 in matching gifts, challenges, and bonus funds that amplified the impact of individual donations.

Why it matters

The Day of the Badger fundraiser is an important annual event that helps UW-Madison maintain its status as a world-class public research university by providing critical funding for student scholarships, campus programs, and research initiatives. Strong donor participation, especially from alumni, demonstrates the continued commitment of the Badger community to the university's success.

The details

During the two-day event, donors supported more than 100 different funds and causes at UW-Madison, ranging from student emergency assistance and the arts to academic scholarships and scientific research. The over $2.1 million raised included more than $950,000 in matching gifts, challenges, and bonus funds provided by generous donors to amplify the impact of individual contributions.

  • The seventh annual Day of the Badger fundraiser took place on April 14-15, 2026.
  • The preliminary final fundraising total was reported as of 5pm on the final day of the event.

The players

Betsy Popelka Massnick

Director of annual giving at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.

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What they’re saying

“Day of the Badger is a celebration of everything that makes the Badger community so special. Seeing alumni and friends come together — many giving for the very first time — to invest in students, research, and the causes they love most is incredibly moving. These gifts will make a real difference at UW-Madison for years to come.”

— Betsy Popelka Massnick, Director of annual giving

The takeaway

The success of the 2026 Day of the Badger fundraiser demonstrates the enduring commitment of the UW-Madison alumni and donor community to supporting the university's mission of providing a world-class education and advancing critical research. The over $2 million raised will have a tangible impact on students, faculty, and programs across campus.