Following a series of significant philanthropic successes for the university, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is pleased to announce a transformative $5 million matching gift as part of the university’s ongoing $100 million challenge.
The alumnus and his family, who wish to remain anonymous, hope this $5 million matching challenge inspires others to step forward in support of the university’s continued growth and long-term sustainability.
The $5 million commitment functions as a one-to-one matching challenge, effectively doubling the impact of donor contributions. Qualifying contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5 million.
“We are profoundly grateful to this alumnus and his family for their extraordinary vision and belief in the future of Saint Mary’s,” said president Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “This matching gift is more than a financial contribution; it is a call to action. It challenges our entire community — alumni, friends, and partners — to invest in the university’s continued growth, ensuring that a Saint Mary’s education remains vibrant and accessible for future generations of learners in the years to come.”
While gifts toward the university’s endowment are preferred to ensure long-term sustainability, the university will count any gift that is cash or cash equivalent. In addition, during this time, cash pledges of $50,000 or more toward the goal — regardless of the specific restriction — will also count toward the $100 million match.
“This is a pivotal moment for Saint Mary’s,” said Greg Stevens, chair of Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees. “By participating in this match, our donors are not only doubling their impact but are directly contributing to the strategic milestones that will define our success and bring us closer to our $100 million vision.”
About the $100 million challenge
First announced in 2023, the $100 million challenge is strategically tied to two key institutional milestones:
- Undergraduate Enrollment Growth: Achieve substantive growth in undergraduate enrollment at the Winona Campus, with a target of approaching 900 full-time undergraduate students by Fall 2026.
- Philanthropic Excellence: The university aims to secure $100 million in new philanthropic commitments by Fall 2027.
The deadline to meet the $5 million matching challenge is July 1, 2026. All cash gifts will count toward the $5 million goal. In addition qualifying gifts and pledges of $50,000 or more received through this period will qualify toward the $100 million goal.
For more information on how to participate in the $5 million matching challenge or to learn more about the $100 million challenge campaign, please contact Saint Mary’s University’s Office of Advancement at (507)457-6647 or giving@smumn.edu.
