Unite for USD Returns Feb. 18-19

Student posing with Unite for USD Day of Giving sign

VERMILLION, S.D.—Unite for USD, the University of South Dakota's annual online giving event, will return Feb. 18-19, 2026, beginning at noon CST on Feb. 18 and concluding at noon on Feb. 19.

The 24-hour giving event brings alumni, friends and supporters together to support the people, programs and priorities that made USD special. Donors can choose from initiatives spanning every corner of campus, including scholarships, academics, athletics and student programs.

"Unite for USD is about coming together as a community and choosing to be the how," said Noah Shepard, president and CEO of the USD Foundation & Alumni Association. "When Coyotes unite around what matters most, we turn belief into action and make a meaningful difference for our students and our university."

Since its launch in 2019, Unite for USD has continued to grow, with the number of donors more than doubling since the inaugural event. In 2026, donors will have the opportunity to support more than 40 initiatives across campus.

Student Support

One of the key priorities for Unite for USD is the Coyote Beginnings Scholarship, which supports students facing financial challenges and helps make higher education more accessible. Through the Ellis Impact, gifts to Coyote Beginnings during Unite for USD will be matched, doubling the impact of donor support and expanding access to critical resources for students. The scholarship follows students throughout their academic careers, empowering them to explore their passions and pursue their goals.

Early giving will open Feb. 1, providing additional opportunities for supporters to advance USD's mission and build momentum ahead of the 24-hour event. Every gift, regardless of size, plays a role in advancing USD's mission and strengthening the campus community.

"Unite for USD is a reminder that showing up matters," Shepard said. "When we come together and take action, even in small ways, we create real opportunities and lasting impact for our students and for USD."

To learn more, make a gift or get involved, visit UniteForUSD.org.