Why Give?

Public research universities have never been more critical to our global society. In addition to generating life-changing research, UW–Madison educates a significant number of our future leaders in science, engineering, business, public policy, history, education, law, journalism, the humanities, and many other fields.

State tax dollars plus tuition have built UW–Madison into one of the top public universities in the world and one of the top three research universities in the country. The funding model, however, has shifted dramatically. In 1974, state funding accounted for 43 percent of the UW’s total revenue; today, it accounts for 15 percent.

As the funding model has shifted, UW–Madison has become increasingly reliant on private gifts from alumni and friends like you to maintain the quality and affordability of a UW education for all. With your support, UW–Madison can continue to flourish as one of the world’s top-ranked universities for years to come, offering educational experiences that change lives and move the world forward.


Great People Scholarship Fund

The Great People Scholarship supports promising students from low-income backgrounds who aspire to become Badgers. You can be a part of their journey at the UW! Plus, your support makes other financial access initiatives possible, including Bucky’s Tuition Promise.

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Raimey-Noland Campaign

You can help increase funding for programs, scholarships, and research that will promote a more diverse, equitable, and welcoming university community. This campaign honors two of UW–Madison’s first known Black graduates: Mabel Watson Raimey 1918 and William Smith Noland 1875.

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Chancellor’s Annual Fund

This is the UW’s most flexible fund, empowering the chancellor to respond to the university’s most pressing needs as they arise and evolve. You can help UW leadership support students, retain faculty, explore new research possibilities, and develop innovative programs to meet the demands of our changing world.

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More Than Numbers

Every gift affects real people, both on campus and around the world. Read about some of the many ways that gifts like yours have changed lives.

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