The Valley Challenge
The Valley Challenge for Student-Athletes
The Wayne & Gladys Valley Foundation has made a historic $24 million challenge gift, launching the Valley Challenge for Student‑Athletes—a bold, three‑year opportunity for Beaver Nation to come together and double the impact of philanthropic support for student‑athlete revenue sharing.
Each year, supporters are challenged to collectively raise $8 million for revenue sharing opportunities through philanthropy. When that goal is reached, the Valley Foundation will unlock an additional $8 million, creating up to $16 million in annual revenue share support—and up to $48 million over three years—to directly benefit Oregon State student‑athletes across our programs.
This moment matters. College athletics is changing rapidly, and this challenge ensures Oregon State can continue to attract, retain, and support student‑athletes while competing for championships in the Pac-12 and staying true to our culture and mission.
Join the Challenge
The Valley Challenge is powered by Beaver Nation. We invite you to make a gift that helps unlock this historic challenge. Every gift—no matter the size—brings us closer to our annual goal and amplifies support for OSU student‑athletes. Every gift also will help qualify you for Our Beaver Nation Membership.
Read the full release about the Valley Challenge for OSU Student-Athletes.
"Now is the moment for those who have been watching from the sidelines to get in the game. We have a three-year opportunity to provide our student-athletes and coaches what they need to compete at the highest level. My husband and I have made a personal multi-year commitment to the Valley Challenge for Student-Athletes at the membership program’s leadership level, and we need all of Beaver Nation to join us at a level aligned with their capacity."
Jayathi Murthy, Oregon State University President
"We are grateful to the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation for this investment in OSU Athletics, which builds on its longstanding record of philanthropic leadership at the university, from broad support of our ocean and marine enterprise to transformative investments in facilities across campus, including the recent $50 million commitment to the Jen‑Hsun Huang and Lori Mills Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex."
Shawn Scoville, President & CEO of the OSU Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Wayne & Gladys Valley Foundation has made a $24 million challenge gift to the OSU Foundation. This gift establishes the Valley Challenge for Student-Athletes, a multi-year effort to inspire additional philanthropic support from Beaver Nation.
The Valley Challenge is a three-year fundraising initiative designed to amplify support for OSU student-athlete revenue sharing. Each year, OSU supporters are challenged to collectively contribute $8 million in support of revenue sharing for student-athletes to unlock the Valley Foundation's $8 million challenge for that year.
How do I make a gift to the Valley Challenge?
Donors can speak to an Our Beaver Nation staff member or give through the OSU Foundation or Our Beaver Nation using standard giving channels, including this form.
How does the challenge structure work?
Each year operates independently:
- Donors collectively give $8 million to unlock an additional $8 million from the Valley Foundation for the given year to support student-athlete revenue sharing.
- This creates up to $16 million in annual impact, or $48 million total over three years.
Who can participate?
All supporters of Oregon State Athletics - alumni, fans, families and friends - are encouraged to participate. Gifts of all sizes count toward the $8 million annual goal.
Where can donors direct their gifts?
Donors may designate their gift to the OSU Athletics Fund for Excellence, FEARLESS, or any sport-specific discretionary fund.
Can pledges count toward the challenge, or only outright gifts?
Outright gifts and pledge payments will count in the year the donor makes the payment.
Are there specific funds or giving vehicles that qualify or do not qualify?
Funds directed to NIL activities through a third party DO NOT apply for the challenge. More information on the differences between revenue sharing and NIL can be found HERE. In addition, endowment gifts and future estate commitments, although critical to creating a strong and sustainable future for the athletics department, do not apply for the Valley Challenge.
Can corporate or gifts from a foundation count toward the challenge?
Yes, philanthropic contributions from corporations and foundations, including matching gifts from the donor's employer, to qualifying funds also count.
Is there a deadline each year to meet the $8 million goal?
Year 1: 4/29/26 - 6/30/27
Year 2: 7/1/27 - 6/30/28
Year 3: 7/1/28 - 6/30/29
How does revenue sharing benefit student-athletes?
Revenue sharing helps student‑athletes by providing direct financial support — on top of scholarships — so they can manage everyday expenses and stay focused on school and sports. It also rewards the athletes already at OSU, helping keep teams together and driving long‑term success. In the end, it’s about investing in the people who make the program strong.
Why is this gift important right now?
The debut of the new Pac-12 represents a pivotal moment for Oregon State Athletics. OSU’s goal is to be the top resourced revenue share athletics program in the Pac-12 and in the top tier nationally among non-Power Four programs. The Valley Foundation gift ensures OSU can remain competitive by investing in revenue sharing opportunities at a critical time of transition for Beaver Athletics.
Will the challenge gift funds just go to football or will student-athletes in other sports benefit?
Gifts to any sport for the purpose of revenue share will be directed for use by that specific sport. Those gifts will count toward the Valley Challenge and unlock additional revenue share dollars that will be deployed across programs as needed by the Athletics Department to ensure OSU remains competitive in the PAC-12.
Are these funds available to help with operational expenses?
No, this is for the exclusive investment in revenue sharing with OSU student-athletes.
Who can I contact for more information?
For any additional questions or assistance, you can contact the Our Beaver Nation office at (541)-737-2370 or ourbeavernation@osufoundation.org.
Even if the full goal is not met, OSU Athletics will receive challenge funding equal to every dollar given by Beaver Nation.
Progress updates will be shared regularly, and major milestones — including when the annual goal is achieved — will be communicated to donors and the broader Beaver community.
Yes. Visit this page to learn about some of the many ways donors will be recognized for their gifts.
The Valley Challenge introduces a time-bound, challenge-driven structure that significantly amplifies donor impact and aligns giving with a critical moment for OSU Athletics.