No fooling, the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Captain’s Challenge is almost here. The 2026 Captain’s Challenge will be held Wednesday, April 1.
Captain’s Challenge is a 24-hour fundraising challenge for alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff and fans to support current and future Skyhawks through giving. Gifts made during this time support various scholarships, college funds, athletics and student support systems across the university.
The goal for the 2026 Captain’s Challenge is to raise $600,000 in 24 hours. In 2025, Skyhawks were challenged to raise $450,000 in 24 hours. That goal was surpassed, with a record grand total of $579,291 raised by 1,665 donors, the most ever for a Captain’s Challenge.
This reputation of record-breaking gifts and donors sets a high bar, and internal strategies are in place to ensure each gift counts.
“Gifts are matched dollar for dollar, meaning donors are able to provide double the impact with their gift,” said Matt Borden, director of annual giving, about the gift-matching program.
All gifts are matched to any fund up to $300. Funds within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences are matched up to $2,500.
Donors can specify which program or organization they would like to donate to across over 500 different designations available. If a donor has issues finding their desired fund, there is an option available to write in their desired designation.
The 2026 Captain’s Challenge falls on April Fools’ Day, but it is no joke. Every gift does matter and will support current and future Skyhawks.
“Captain’s Challenge touches every facet of student programming and scholarship,” Borden said. “Gifts directly impact students and the overall Skyhawk experience.”
For more information about the 2026 Captain’s Challenge, visit challenge.utm.edu or email Borden at mborden5@utm.edu. For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 1-800-829-UTM1 (-8861).
