2026 Buff & Blue Fund Challenge Shatters Records

GW Athletics announced a record-shattering performance in the annual Buff & Blue Fund Challenge, generating over $574,000 from more than 1,500 donors. This year’s campaign outperformed the previous mark set in 2024 to achieve the highest single-campaign total in the initiative’s history.

Driven by an outpouring of support from across the world, the annual competition serves as the main fundraising engine for GW’s varsity sports programs. This year, the campaign included a half-time challenge, the top two programs who brought in the most dollars were awarded a prize from alumnae Annemargaret Connolly, JD ‘88 and her husband Ken Frank. 

“Thank you to the entire GW Athletics family of supporters who gave so generously in support of our 400 student-athletes and 20 varsity teams during this year’s Buff & Blue Fund Challenge. Your investment directly supports the success of our student-athletes and programs”, said associate vice president and athletic director Michael Lipitz. 

Funds raised directly support key areas of the student-athlete experience, including scholarships, team travel, nutrition, academic services, and mental health resources.

2026 Challenge Category Winners

This year’s campaign featured competition across key award categories, bolstered by a generous challenge match from alumni and 1732 Circle member Rich DiPippo, BA '79:

Most Donors

1st Place: Women’s Swimming and Diving

2nd Place: Baseball

Most Dollars Raised

1st Place: Baseball

2nd Place: Men’s Basketball

Most Improved on Total Donors from Last Year

1st Place: Women’s Swimming and Diving 

2nd Place: Men’s Swimming and Diving 

Highest Former Student-Athlete Participation Rate

1st Place: Water Polo

2nd Place: Gymnastics

While the official competition period for this year’s challenge has concluded, alumni and fans can continue supporting GW Athletics year-round by visiting go.gwu.edu/give2athletics.