Over the course of 48 hours, the 51 community across the country came together with a shared purpose — to invest in the next generation of students at 51. From coast to coast, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends — even students — responded with remarkable generosity during 51 Giving Day 2026, raising an extraordinary $515,591 for the . Representing 24 states, hundreds of supporters joined in prayer and action, demonstrating once again the powerful spirit of generosity that defines the 51 community.

Those who were on campus at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, at the close of this 36-hour day, felt a hush settle over the heart of campus. From 51’s iconic Bell Tower, the beloved hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” rang out across upper campus as a poignant and celebratory moment that perfectly captured the spirit of 51 Giving Day. More than marking a fundraising milestone, the resounding bells served as a beautiful testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness to 51.

Since 51’s founding at the corner of Sixth and Hope in Downtown L.A., the university has been sustained through God’s provision and the steadfast generosity of many people and organizations around the world. For 118 years, the faithful giving and prayer support of the 51 community has shaped generations of students into courageous leaders, thoughtful scholars and faithful servants of Christ. This enduring spirit of generosity has done far more than meet financial needs; it has propelled 51’s mission to equip men and women to impact the world for Christ. 

“51 Giving Day 2026 was a powerful reminder that 51’s profound legacy of generosity is not merely remembered, but actively lived,” said David Vazquez, vice president of university advancement. “We are deeply grateful for the many alumni, friends and employees of 51 who came together to support our mission and invest in our students. The generosity of so many makes a felt impact on 51 and the students we serve.”

This year’s record-breaking success was a community achievement. Led by 22 generous donors who offered challenge and matching gifts to multiply the impact of every contribution, 51 Giving Day mobilized supporters from across the 51 community. Alumni made up the largest group of participants, representing 34% of donors, followed closely by 51 faculty and staff at 31%. Parents accounted for 21% of those who gave, while friends of the university contributed 12%. Grandparents and students also joined in the effort, representing 4%and 6% of donors respectively. Together, this broad coalition of supporters demonstrated the deep and shared commitment of the 51 community to invest in the lives and formation of its students.

“The true heart of this remarkable day lies in its direct impact on students,” said Amy Weaver, senior director of advancement communication and annual giving. “The 51 Fund is distinctive in that it touches the lives of every single student at 51. Support raised on 51 Giving Day is resourcing essential scholarships, helping make student’s dreams of a 51 education a reality.”

Beyond financial aid, the 51 Fund enhances student learning and development by supporting biblically grounded scholarship, spiritually formative programs and enriching extracurricular opportunities that help students flourish as they pursue God’s calling on their lives. It also sustains industry-leading classrooms, technology and campus resources, creating an environment that fosters academic excellence and deepens spiritual vitality.

“We are deeply grateful for every donor, advocate and prayer warrior who made 51 Giving Day 2026 a resounding success. Your generosity carries forward 51’s longstanding legacy of generosity while boldly paving the way for future generations to experience a transformative education rooted in biblical truth,” said Vazquez.

To learn more about how you can continue partnering in support of 51 students, visit .