For the third consecutive year, the excitement of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Woods Giving Day has already begun. Gifts made from December 1 until January 31, 2026 will count towards Woods Giving Day 2026 (WGD ’26) efforts. If SMWC raises $550,000 by January 31, an early challenge match of $450,000 will be unlocked and granted to the College thanks to two generous alums. SMWC’s 11th Woods Giving Day will take place on Tuesday, February 10, starting at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) EST and running through 11:59 p.m. EST.
“Last year, we were overwhelmed with the support that WGD-X received, surpassing both of our goals of $1 million and 1,200 donors. Because of the give early challenge, many donors can take advantage of their year-end gifts supporting WGD ’26,” said Catherine Saunders ’98, vice president for advancement.
As a part of the $3 million Woods Fund goal announced in the fall, the goal for Woods Giving Day will be to raise $1 million with a donor goal of 1,200. Saunders said the early giving challenge can be history-making for the College this year. “As SMWC enrollment grows so too do the needs supported by Woods Fund gifts – from financial assistance to academic programs, and even the care of our historic buildings, Woods Giving Day donors are making a difference in the Woods student experience. This year, Woods Giving Day can be record-breaking by meeting our goal before the culminating day of giving even begins!”
On February 10, students, faculty, staff and alumni will make phone calls to donors thanking them for their past support of the College and asking them to invest in SMWC again. New, first-time donors are a priority for February 10 calls. A Woods Giving Day honor roll will be posted on smwc.edu to thank everyone for their participation and support of today’s Woods students.
In addition to the reward of impacting SMWC students, donors can receive an incentive as well. “To mark the first year of the next decade of Woods Giving Days, we’re excited to share that donors who give $50 or more will receive a limited-time edition of SMWC car coasters,” said Elizabeth Reel ’21, ’25MLD, advancement officer at the College. Gifts of $50 or more given throughout the early-giving challenge and on the day of Woods Giving Day will receive this incentive, while supplies last.
Reel shared that the entire advancement team is looking forward to the day. “Our team has been hard at work the last few months. We are very thankful to our students, faculty, staff and alumni volunteers who will give their time on Woods Giving Day. We are looking forward to connecting with our alumni and friends on February 10,” she said.
Donors may give and have their donation counted for Woods Giving Day in a few ways:
- Call 888-769-0013 or 812-535-5270
- Mail a check with “Woods Giving Day” in the memo line to PO Box 70, Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876
- Give online with a note of “Woods Giving Day” at giving.smwc.edu