Support urban debaters on Give to the Max Day

Debater accepts award from AmeriCorps member

Debate skills are priceless. But tournament costs are growing.

A tournament is worth much more than the sum of its parts. Your gifts to the Minnesota Urban Debate League, a program of Augsburg University, add up to empower 1,850+ local youth:

  • $30 equips a dozen debaters with binders. They’re filled with evidence tailor-made to meet students where they are. Old school? Sure. But the data shows it works.
  • $50 funds entry fees for two debaters to compete at local tournaments hosted outside MNUDL, connecting them with peers who share a love of debate.
  • $75 covers five 49-count bulk boxes of Nature Valley granola bars, our go-to, allergy-friendly tournament snack. That fuels 245 debaters with much-needed energy.
  • $150 provides 50 medals, given to top-ranking partnerships and speakers at each tournament. You’re funding 50 well-earned moments of achievement when you give $150.
  • $350 funds a bus trip – if we’re lucky. Prices can be even higher during peak demand, and as we serve debaters in more communities, longer trips are needed.
  • $500 hires 8 alumni to provide helpful feedback as debate judges, connecting our youth with people who know just how they feel and root for their success.
  • $750 underwrites trophies for 8 tournaments. Earned by the top three in every division, they inspire school spirit in classrooms and pride on mantels at home.
  • $1,000 supports two high school debaters to mentor middle schoolers, creating a welcoming community of support that uplifts youth as they age across our program.

Support Minnesota’s urban debaters with a gift of any size.

More smart and convenient ways to give:

  • Leverage the power of your team to support local debate teams! Options like matching gifts and payroll deductions make your generosity go even further. Use this tool from our colleagues at the UMN to see if matching gifts are available through your workplace!
  • Many of our supporters are using tax-wise methods for empowering urban debaters. Augsburg University staff can help make options like Donor Advised Funds, stock gifts, IRA rollovers, or charitable gift annuities work for you. Reach out to Amy Cram Helwich at cramhe@augsburg.edu to learn more.
  • Venmo, PayPal, and Google Pay are available payment methods on our Give to the Max page! That $25 hanging out in your Venmo balance from when you split dinner can immediately be translated into one entry fee for an aspiring debater!
  • Find giving instructions for Planned Gifts and more on our Donate page.