University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panther Athletics sets historic marks for 2026 Live Purple Give Gold day of giving
4/23/2026 3:42:00 PM | General
UNI Athletics sets an all-time record with over $400,000 raised with contributions from over 1,100 donors.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- Live Purple Give Gold, the University of Northern Iowa's annual day of giving, saw an unprecedented amount contributed to UNI Athletics and its 17 athletic programs with an all-time record of $402,398 raised for Panther programs.
"I am grateful to Panther Nation for participating in the Live Purple Give Gold campaign, benefiting UNI Athletics sports programs and growing the membership in the Ever Loyal Club," said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. "I am especially thankful to the donors who provided the challenge and match gifts allowing donor dollars to stretch further and bring momentum to the day of giving. I also celebrate the over 1,000 individual donors furthering the opportunity to join in relationship with Panther student-athletes, coaches and administrative staff through their generous donations."
For the fourth straight year, supporters of the Panthers were able to contribute to the athletic department as a whole or to a specific sports team of their choice. Each team also set goals for the day, with some including donor matches to help increase the impact of the day.
A record 1,105 total supporters contributed to UNI Athletics during Live Purple Give Gold. The university as a whole raised $800,548 through 2,175 donors during the annual day of giving, with Athletic donations accounting for 50% of total gifts and all donors.Â
The funds raised in 2026 shatters the previous record donated to UNI Athletics from 2024 when $247,602 was raised through 902 total donors. This also marks the fourth straight year Live Purple Give Gold has raised over $100,000 for UNI Athletics.
Panther football led the way for UNI's 17 programs with $98,650 raised, followed by volleyball ($47,300), wrestling ($45,777), track and field/cross country ($38,845) and women's soccer ($24,725).
If you would like to support a specific sports team or UNI Athletics, please contact Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and NIL John Mosbach. For more information and to join the Ever Loyal Club visit supportthepanthers.com or Steven McKee, Associate Athletic Director for Revenue Generation.
ÂUNI Athletics action can be followed all year long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). Schedules and rosters, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
