At nearly $4 million, the Athletic Foundation continues to grow, thanks to Eagle Nation
The Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation’s main fundraising arm, the Eagle Fund, which is the Foundation’s annual fund that directly benefits student-scholarships, grew more than 25% from the previous fiscal year. With a goal of $1,200,000, the Eagle Fund successfully generated nearly $1,457,973 during the 2015-16 fiscal year, which is also a 55% increase from the 2013-14 fiscal year. Athletics must pay the University $4,660,301 in student-athlete scholarships, which covers tuition and other fees associated with college expenses; the Eagle Fund helps to offset this cost.
Memberships to the Foundation’s Eagle Fund have also steadily increased over the last two years with an increase of 16%, reaching record numbers. Last year, the Champion Society giving level made its debut with three members and has already doubled in size. The 110% and Refer-an-Eagle initiative and the redeveloped Young Alumni program are just a few notable initiatives introduced by the Foundation last year. At the same time, an alumni association for each sport has been developed.
“In terms of Georgia Southern Athletics, the growth of the Foundation is unprecedented. The continued advancement of our foundation and athletic programs is a direct reflection of the support provided by Eagle Nation.” said Tom Kleinlein, director of athletics at Georgia Southern University.
“It is because of these True Blue contributions our student-athletes can continue to represent our University across the nation at bowl games and conference tournaments. More importantly, it is because of Eagle Nation that our student-athletes are able to earn college diplomas with reputable degrees and receive nationwide accolades such as All-American Scholars and being named to All-Academic teams.”
All in all, the Athletic Foundation raised $3,900,498 in program-specific needs, gift-in-kind, facility upgrades, planned gifts, scholarships endowments, coach’s continuity and the annual fund.
During the 2015-16 fiscal year, more than $184,000 was raised for sport-specific gifts. Gifts designated for a specific sport can assist coaches in achieving their vision to successfully elevate Georgia Southern to a new level of excellence. Coaches use these funds how they deem necessary, whether it be for travel, equipment, program enhancements, team meals or recruiting.
In addition, more than $200,000 was raised for facility upgrades, planned giving commitments generated $1,130,000 while scholarship endowments increased by $192,000.
The Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation’s (GSUAF) primary goal is to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete for a championship ring and earn a college education while developing them as future leaders in their respective communities.
The Athletic Foundation currently supports nearly 400 student-athletes who play in one of the 17 Division I varsity programs. Contributions to the Foundation make it possible for Georgia Southern student-athletes to achieve their goals in competition, in the classroom and in life.
Learn how you can support Eagle Athletics by calling 1(800)GSU-WINS or visiting GSEagles.com/Foundation.
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