What is the Trinity University 1869 Challenge?
The 1869 Challenge is Trinity’s annual day of giving. Over the course of 1,869 minutes, alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends come together to make a gift in support of Trinity students and programs. This year, our goal is to reach 3,500 donors in just more than 31 hours!
🕒 The Challenge begins Wednesday, September 24, at 3:33 p.m. CDT and ends Thursday, September 25, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Why is it called the 1869 Challenge?
Trinity University was founded in 1869. The 1869 Challenge honors that legacy by calling on the Trinity community to show their support during 1,869 minutes of giving.
Who can participate?
Everyone! Whether you're an alum, student, parent, faculty or staff member, or friend of Trinity, your gift makes a difference during the 1869 Challenge.
Can I choose where my gift goes?
Yes! You can designate your gift to support the area of campus that matters most to you—whether that’s scholarships, academics, athletics, student organizations, or more. 100% of your gift goes to the area that you designate.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. Trinity University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your gift is tax-deductible as law allows.
What’s the minimum gift amount?
The minimum donation is $5, and every gift—no matter the size—helps us reach our goal and supports Trinity students.
If I make a gift before or after the Challenge, will it count?
Early gifts will count toward the Challenge totals beginning September 1. If you miss the Challenge window, you can still support Trinity by giving at give.trinity.edu.
What if I don’t see the area I want to support listed?
No problem! Just give us a call at 210-999-7415, and we’ll help you direct your gift where it matters most to you.
How are gifts counted for challenges and leaderboards?
One gift per donor per fund is counted toward leaderboard and challenge totals. If multiple gifts are made to the same fund by the same donor, only the first one will be counted. The best way to help your favorite area is to give and encourage others to do the same!
If I send a check, will my gift be counted in the 1869 Challenge totals?
Checks received in hand and processed on September 24 and 25 will be counted toward 1869 Challenge totals. The best way to ensure that your gift is counted in the 1869 Challenge totals is to give online or by calling 210-999-7415.
I would like to give through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF); what do I do?
If you would like to give through a donor-advised fund, please contact the institution where your DAF is managed to set up your gift. For your DAF gift to be counted toward the 1869 Challenge please send an email to Trinity’s Office of Annual Giving at trinityfund@trinity.edu to alert them to the incoming gift. In the email, please indicate your name, the gift amount, the designation you are giving to, and that you wish to have it count toward the 1869 Challenge.
I’m celebrating a reunion year. How do I ensure my gift counts toward my class's Reunion Giving totals?
Congratulations on your reunion milestone! When you make your gift, make sure you indicate you are a Trinity alum and choose your class year in the drop-down. The ten reunion classes also have a leaderboard so you can track your class’s progress there.
Still have questions?
Feel free to send us an email at trinityfund@trinity.edu.