Athletics department breaks fundraising record despite economic recession
Revenue generated from the athletics department’s fundraising efforts has increased by more than $500,000 in five years — a feat some say is rarely achieved amid a recession.
According to the 2009-10 Athletics Annual Report, $616,878 was raised during 2005-06. Last year, $1,206,499 was raised, accounting for a 79 percent increase in revenue generated from donations and making it one of the most successful fundraising campaigns to date.
Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said these numbers far outpace the national trend.
“Around the country, it’s not common for fundraising efforts to be as successful as they’ve been over the past several years because of the economic downturn,” he said. “So we’re very pleased with the totals and where we ended up.”
2006-07: $800,010
2007-08: $1,081,520
2008-09: $1,130,393
2009-10: $1,206,499
Source: 2009-10 Athletics Annual Report
The funds cited in the annual report are separate from what was raised for the Events Center, van der Merwe said.
“That probably exceeds any other revenue goal on campus or in the area,” van der Merwe said, “but we are very aggressive.”
During the University Annual Campaign, the Athletics Department received awards for “most dollars pledged by a department” and “highest participation by department.”
Heeke said awareness and interest in the athletic programs has played an important role in the fundraising process because of the overall recent success of the teams. More people than ever are interested in what’s happening at CMU and how they can support the university, he said.
“Most of our donors are alums and former letter winners so they have a strong passion for the university and for our programs,” he said. “They enjoy supporting it and giving back.”
The current annual donor base grew by more than 800 donors over the past five years. Currently, there are 2,613 individuals in the annual donor base.
The 1100 Club also has grown in membership. The 1100 Club started in June 2007; the original goal was to have 100 donors donating at least $1,100. The annual membership base in the 1100 Club has increased to 180 members and has generated an additional $250,000 on average per year for the football program.
“People like to support positive initiatives and positive efforts and we have that here at Central Michigan,” Heeke said.
Heeke said they have put a program together that is very efficient and informative for potential donors. He said they understand what they’re supporting and how their gifts benefit CMU.
“We’ve worked very hard over the years to help educate our donors and potential donors and how they can help,” he said. “That’s been an important component we continue to grow year after year.”
Heeke said fundraising dollars help the overall operation of the athletics department and they help fund scholarships.
“It helps all of our programs across the board,” he said.
The athletic department’s budget is about $22.5 million. Heeke said $6.4 million is raised through athletics department generated revenues to which fundraising contributes.
The athletic deparmtent recently hired Heidi Fisher and Brian Brunner as assistant directors to help generate more funds, resulting in a restructuring of the department’s development office.
