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Furman University Announces new Furman Athletics Fund


Last updated January 25, 2021

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In a move designed to broaden donor recognition and enhance financial support for Furman’s athletics programs, Furman Athletics and the university’s Office of Development has launched the Furman Athletics Fund. The new fund replaces the existing Paladin Club and serves as the fundraising arm for all gifts to athletics, which elevate the student-athlete experience and the connection to Furman alumni.

“The Furman Athletics Fund recognizes the tremendous growth in charitable giving that we have seen over the past several years,” said Director of Athletics Jason Donnelly. “As we move forward and continue to serve our university community, Furman Athletics increasingly relies on the generosity of our loyal donors who invest in – and impact – the lives of our student-athletes. Whether a donor is passionate about scholarships, facilities or specific sports programs, the Furman Athletics Fund provides greater impact opportunities that are more comprehensive and better position the department for future growth and success.”

The Paladin Club has operated as the scholarship fund for Furman Athletics and has been the primary means of financial support for student-athlete scholarships. Additionally, it served to recognize athletics donors throughout the year. The Furman Athletics Fund will encapsulate all athletics gifts, whether to scholarships, facilities or program-specific needs, along with donor recognition. The legacy and importance of the Paladin Club will continue to be emphasized through philanthropic support of the Paladin Scholarship Fund. Funding student-athlete scholarships will continue to be the top priority for Furman Athletics. Enhanced priority points, special events and donor recognition will continue to be available to donors who support the Paladin Scholarship Fund.

“This donor-centric model was created to allow for our Furman Athletics Fund team within the Office of Development to celebrate and recognize athletics donors of all levels – regardless of where their gift was allocated within the Athletics Department,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director Erin Wissing. “This new program provides more choice for our donors when determining which funds within Athletics to support as we strive to provide the best experience, build winning programs and provide The Furman Advantage for our 350 student-athletes on and off the field.”

Donors providing gifts over $50 to Furman Athletics will become members of the Furman Athletics Fund. Members will receive ongoing recognition from the Office of Development. Donors will also enjoy access to special Furman Athletics ticket opportunities and receive invitations to exclusive Furman Athletics Fund events.

Supporters of Furman Athletics will receive detailed communications from the Furman Athletics Fund. Donors looking for more information about the Furman Athletics Fund or for ways to support the student-athlete experience can visit furmanpaladins.com or contact our Furman Athletics Fund staff directly at (864) 294-3469 or furman.athletics.fund@furman.edu.

In addition to the launch of the Furman Athletics Fund, Furman announced the new Bell Tower Society, Rose Garden Society and White Oaks Society earlier this year. Members of the Furman Athletics Fund who give $2,500 annually are invited to join the Bell Tower Society. Members who have lifetime giving totals exceeding $100,000 will receive an invitation to the Rose Garden Society, and those with lifetime giving totals greater than $1,000,000 will receive an invitation to the White Oaks Society. These new, comprehensive, donor engagement societies will celebrate the impact donors make to Furman University across athletics, academic and experiential learning programs. For more information on these societies, please visit furman.edu/giving.

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