Lehigh Launches $500K Football Blitz Matching Challenge
11/3/2025 4:20:00 PM | Football, Support
A 60-day initiative to raise $1M for program needs
Lehigh Athletics has received a generous challenge gift from an anonymous donor who will match up to $500,000 for Lehigh football. The dollar-for-dollar match will provide the resources needed to strengthen the program and build champions.
The team has until Dec. 31, 2025, to secure the donations needed to raise $1M — what would be the single largest current-use gift to the football operating budget in team history. The initiative is called the "$500K Football Blitz: The Matching Challenge to Raise $1M."
This challenge comes at an opportune moment, as the team has surged to an 9-0 record and a No. 4 ranking in the NCAA FCS polls.
"The passion for Lehigh football is palpable in the stands and across the Lehigh community," says Kevin Cahill, head coach. "We strive to achieve excellence as a team and forge men of character on the field, in the classroom, in our community, and as future makers."
"This blitz serves as a call to all supporters of Lehigh football — those who donned brown and white as players and those who have cheered for the team over the years," says Jeremy Gibson, Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics. "The national landscape for college athletics is shifting. The Patriot League is no different. We want Lehigh football to remain competitive as a program in order to attract and retain talented players and coaches who are drawn to our institution because of its academic rigor, athletic excellence, and alumni engagement."
"The blitz is a wonderful way to invest in our program and take it where it could go," says Cahill. "We have goals to win championships, be a national contender, and develop student athletes who translate their success on the field into their success in the classroom and their careers."
Supporters can contribute to the $500K Football Blitz at this site, where progress will be tracked over the next two months. Visitors can also become advocates, encouraging others to give — an online toolkit explains how to get started.
The team has until Dec. 31, 2025, to secure the donations needed to raise $1M — what would be the single largest current-use gift to the football operating budget in team history. The initiative is called the "$500K Football Blitz: The Matching Challenge to Raise $1M."
This challenge comes at an opportune moment, as the team has surged to an 9-0 record and a No. 4 ranking in the NCAA FCS polls.
"The passion for Lehigh football is palpable in the stands and across the Lehigh community," says Kevin Cahill, head coach. "We strive to achieve excellence as a team and forge men of character on the field, in the classroom, in our community, and as future makers."
"This blitz serves as a call to all supporters of Lehigh football — those who donned brown and white as players and those who have cheered for the team over the years," says Jeremy Gibson, Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics. "The national landscape for college athletics is shifting. The Patriot League is no different. We want Lehigh football to remain competitive as a program in order to attract and retain talented players and coaches who are drawn to our institution because of its academic rigor, athletic excellence, and alumni engagement."
"The blitz is a wonderful way to invest in our program and take it where it could go," says Cahill. "We have goals to win championships, be a national contender, and develop student athletes who translate their success on the field into their success in the classroom and their careers."
Supporters can contribute to the $500K Football Blitz at this site, where progress will be tracked over the next two months. Visitors can also become advocates, encouraging others to give — an online toolkit explains how to get started.
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