Since its launch in 2015, The (603) Challenge has represented a key source of funding for UNH, bringing in gifts that can be deployed immediately to support students and projects across the university. In each of its seven years, the Challenge has set new records for both dollar-amounts raised and participant numbers, and 2021 was no exception: During the five-day event, which ran from Apr. 9-13, The (603) Challenge raised more than $2.6 million to support UNH’s colleges, teams and programs, with gifts coming from some 11,3000 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends.
Noting that more than half of the donors who make contributions to UNH each fiscal year participate in the challenge, Director of Annual Giving Jackie Overton says, “The manner in which so many people come together to make gifts in this very specific timeframe signals that the challenge is a great source of pride for the Wildcat community. We’re so grateful to every donor who rises to the challenge, and to our underwriters who provide the bonus and matching funds, which really motivate people to give, knowing their gift can have a greater impact on their favorite areas.”
A total of 340 funds representing virtually every area across UNH’s three campuses received gifts that will benefit students directly, in the form of scholarships, stipends and experiential opportunity funding, and indirectly through support of programs, clubs, athletics and more.
To view full results and leaderboards and to learn about the generous donors who provide the funds to match gifts and offer bonus and area challenges during The (603) Challenge, visit unh.edu/603.
