The countdown is on, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Captain’s Challenge is almost here. The 2026 Captain’s Challenge will be held Wednesday, April 1.
This year’s Captain’s Challenge takes on a special meaning as part of the university’s 125th anniversary celebration.
Captain’s Challenge is a 24-hour gifting challenge for alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff and fans to support the university. Gifts made during this time support various scholarships, college funds, colleges, departments, athletics and student-support systems across the university.
The goal for the 2026 Captain’s Challenge is to raise $600,000. Last year, Skyhawks were challenged to raise $450,000, and that goal was surpassed, with a record total of $579,291 raised by a challenge-record 1,665 donors.
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 for up to $300. Gifts 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 give to across more than 500 different designations available. If a donor has issues finding their desired fund, there is an option available to write in their desired designation.
People can gift the university by mailing a check as well. Checks should be made out to the UT Foundation and mailed to UT Foundation, Attn: Matt Borden, 1900 Alumni Way, Martin, TN 38238. Specific gifting targets may be made in the memo line of the check or in a separate letter or note. Charitable IRA gifts are also welcome.
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).
PHOTO: Captain Skyhawk is pumped about the upcoming Captain’s Challenge! People can help support the University of Tennessee at Martin by gifting through challenge.utm.edu.
