UK Philanthropy aims to advance Kentucky today on ‘One Day for UK’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 23, 2026) — The University of Kentucky is marking its eighth annual “One Day for UK,” the 24-hour giving celebration that began at midnight and continues through 11:59 p.m. ET tonight, April 23.
The campaign invites Wildcats across the country and around the world to support the college, unit or cause at UK that is most meaningful to them.
The initiative has raised more than $13.5 million since its launch in 2019. Gifts made through “One Day for UK” support student success, research, health care, alumni engagement, athletic programs and more.
This year’s theme is “Fuel the Mission. Drive Success.” Jake Lemon, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement at UK, says the theme reflects what donor support makes possible.
“When the UK community shifts into gear and gives together, there’s real momentum behind it,” Lemon said. “Every gift — no matter the size — helps drive the university forward and puts more fuel behind the work that makes UK great.”
To find a full list of participating colleges, units and causes, visit the “One Day for UK” website at onedayforuk.com. Supporters can also track the campaign’s progress and make a gift directly through the site.
One Day for UK booths will be set up on campus throughout the day at two locations. The campus community is encouraged to stop by to learn more about the campaign and pick up exclusive swag:
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Gatton Student Center, Second Floor | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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Alumni Commons | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Swag Cab will be making laps around campus as well, with special guests on board. Students can catch a ride to class and win prizes.
To make a gift, track progress or share your support, visit onedayforuk.com and follow #OneDayforUK on social media.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.