One Day for Dawgs 2026 is coming on April 8!
One Day for Dawgs Begins In
Ferris State University's annual day of giving event returns on April 8. Join Ferris State alumni, friends, fans, and supporters from across Bulldog Nation in making a difference for the causes you care most about! Mark your calendar and plan to spread the word about this exciting day of Ferris State Philanthropy.
Challenge and Matching Gifts
Learn more about the exciting Challenge gifts available during this year's day of giving by clicking on the challenge names below! Match gifts for specific teams are noted on their fundraising pages.
The Kickoff Challenge
The first four fundraising teams to receive gifts on April 8 will receive a bonus toward their cause.
Sponsored by Rex Schuberg
Double the Bite Challenge
Calling all Bulldog students! Dr. Pink needs you to help him Double the Bite during One Day for Dawgs. On April 8, he will match the first $1,000 donated by current students.
Bulldogs help other Bulldogs - double your impact on April 8!
Sponsored by Dr. Bill and Lori Pink
Raise the Bar Challenge
The fundraising team with the largest percentage increase in unique donors over last year will receive a bonus toward its cause.
Sponsored by Dr. David and Patsy Eisler
Athletics Challenge
The men's and women's athletic teams that earn gifts from the most total donors will receive a bonus gift.
The men's and women's athletic teams with the highest average gift amount donated will each receive a bonus gift.
Sponsored by Dr. Dick Shaw and John Sonntag
The 1884 Competition
The donor who makes the 1,884th gift during One Day for Dawgs will receive a bonus $1,884 toward the cause they donate to.
Sponsored by Dr. Emily Hancock
President Pink's Picks
President Pink needs your votes to choose a cause for bonus funds! Dr. Pink will make a gift to each of the three One Day for Dawgs teams below, and whichever team gets the most votes from the campus community on April 8 will unlock a bonus gift. Find the One Day for Dawgs tables in the DEC during the event to cast your vote!
- The Indoor Athletic Complex
- Ferris Cares Program (Formerly the BBNA)
- The Veterans Resource Center
Sponsored by Dr. Bill and Lori Pink
Faculty and Staff Giving Challenge
The three causes that receive the most total donations from Ferris State faculty and staff during One Day for Dawgs will each receive a bonus gift.
Sponsored by Dr. Kathy and Steve Mullins, Brandi and Jerry Behrenwald, Krissy and Doug Workman
Young Alumni Challenge
If you graduated between 2015 and 2025, make your gift count even more! The two teams receiving the most gifts from unique young alumni donors will receive a bonus gift each.
Sponsored by Elizabeth Albright, Bob Love, Allie Mowery, Dave Murray, Carrie Ziegler-Thomas and Adam Thomas
Fundraising Power Hours
All donations during challenge power hours will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to the maximum listed below.
7 - 8 a.m., Up to $5,000
11 a.m. - 12 noon, Up to $5,000
3 - 4 p.m., Up to $1,000
7 - 9 p.m., Up to $3,500
The Final Countdown begins at 9:00 p.m. and will offer a different challenge: the three teams receiving gifts from highest number of individual donors will each receive a bonus gift!
Make your donation count even more by taking advantage of these power hours!
Sponsored by Kent Communications Inc., The Ferris Foundation
Lead Your Pack; Represent the Bulldogs
One Day for Dawgs Toolkit
Looking to make an impact on campus? Interested in representing the Ferris State and One Day for Dawgs brand?
Check out our ODFD Toolkit and get tips for having a successful campaign.
Save the Date video
Check out this year's save the date video announcement, and mark your calendar April 8, 2026!
2025 Impact
One Day Goal
$260,000
Total Gifts*
$288,494
Engagement
93 TEAMS
1,814 GIFTS
1,386 DONORS
406 FIRST-TIME DONORS
845 ALUMNI DONORS
142 FIRST-TIME ALUMNI DONORS
Gifts
799
$5 - $50 Gifts
391
$51 - $100 Gifts
565
$101 - $500 Gifts
57
$501+ Gifts
*Total gifts reflect any additional gifts received after the day of giving that were postmarked in support of One Day for Dawgs and as such, is higher than the initial total from the conclusion of the giving day.