What is 701 Day? 

701 Day is a 24-hour online giving event at NDSU dedicated to supporting NDSU Bison Football through the Climb the Mountain Campaign. It brings Bison Nation together to celebrate a historic new era and rally support for the future of North Dakota State University Athletics. 

Is this replacing the university-wide Giving Day? 

No. The university-wide Giving Day will still take place on October 27. 701 Day is a special giving day created specifically to support the Climb the Mountain Campaign and Bison Football. 

 

When is 701 Day? 

701 Day takes place on July 1, beginning at 7:01 AM and ending at 7:01 AM on July 2.  

 

Why is it called 701 Day? 

July 1 (7/01) is the day NDSU Football officially begins its move into a new era by joining the Mountain West Conference and transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). 701 Day celebrates that milestone while rallying Bison Nation to support what comes next.  

 

What is the Climb the Mountain Campaign? 

Climb the Mountain is the philanthropic campaign supporting NDSU Bison Football as North Dakota State University transitions to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Mountain West Conference. Gifts help fuel scholarships, football operations, Name, image, likeness (NIL) support, and facility enhancements needed to help NDSU Athletics compete at the highest level. 

 

How does my gift make a bigger impact on 701 Day? 

Throughout the day, challenge gifts are unlocked as donor milestones are reached—every 100 donors unlocks a new challenge gift. When we reach 701 donors, a $5 million donation is unlocked from the WE B Giving Foundation, dramatically increasing the total impact of the day.

 

How is donor count calculated for unlocking challenges? 

Challenges are unlocked based on the number of unique donors. If someone gives more than once using the same exact name and email address, they count as one donor. 

 

Where does my donation go? 

Donations made on 701 Day support NDSU Bison Football through the Climb the Mountain Campaign, helping fund scholarships, football operations, NIL support, and facility enhancements for NDSU Athletics. 

 

Can I give before July 1? 

Yes. Early giving opens June 25, and gifts made during the early giving period count toward 701 Day totals and challenges.  

 

Is there a minimum gift amount? 

Yes. The minimum gift amount is $5. Every gift helps build momentum and support Bison Football on 701 Day.  

Can I use a previous pledge payment as my 701 Day gift? 

No. Existing pledge payments cannot be counted toward 701 Day challenges. A new gift must be made to participate in 701 Day giving.  

 

Is my gift tax‑deductible? 

Yes. Gifts made through the NDSU Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

 

Are there administrative fees for 701 Day gifts? 

Yes. To help build a lasting culture of philanthropy and support the development, outreach, and operational work of the NDSU Foundation, 5% of each gift is applied to a receipting fee. 

 

How do I make a gift? 

You can make your gift securely right here to support NDSU Bison Football through 701 Day at NDSU.

Can I use payroll deduction for my gift? 

Yes. Payroll deduction is allowed for all NDSU, NDSU Athletics, and NDSU Foundation employees.

Can donors make a gift by phone or mail?

Because 701 Day lasts just 24 hours, donors are encouraged to make their gifts online so they can count toward 701 Day challenges. Donors may also make a gift by phone from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST by calling 701-231-6819. Gifts sent by mail are always appreciated, but must be received by July 1 to impact 701 Day results.

Who can I contact with questions? 

If you have questions about giving or 701 Day at NDSU, contact the NDSU Foundation team: foundation@ndsufoundation.com.