'Cuse Athletics Fund Records Record-Number of Donors in FY25
17,293 Donors Raised $43.8 Million to Support Syracuse Student-Athletes
In an era of collegiate athletics where philanthropic support has become more important than ever before, the ’Cuse Athletics Fund and its donors continue to raise the bar. Syracuse University fans and alumni from across the world came together in record-setting numbers with 17,293 donors – shattering last year’s record of 14,269 – to raise $43,838,314 in support of 20 varsity athletic programs and more than 550 student-athletes. Fiscal Year ’25 marks the third straight year the ’Cuse Athletics Fund has surpassed the $43 Million raised, including last year’s record-setting $50,282,791 mark.
Director of Athletics John Wildhack lauded the fan base for their dedication towards Syracuse Athletics:
“When we launched Champion ’CUSE in February, I said it is abundantly clear that winning programs in the new era of college athletics will be the ones that galvanize the support of their campuses, fan bases, and communities,” Wildhack said. “Our alumni and fans, as well as the Central New York community, have answered the call and turned out in record numbers.
“Back-to-back years with donor growth of 3,000 donors is evidence of just how strong the fan base at Syracuse is. We’ve generated significant momentum over the past several years, but we’re just getting started. Whether you’re a Legends Society donor, a season ticket holder, or someone who gives $44 a year to your favorite program’s head coach’s fund, all support is vital in creating a world-class student-athlete experience and elevating our teams to compete at a championship level.
“Thank you for your continued support to Syracuse Athletics. I’m truly grateful to be a part of a university with the passion our fan base brings to the table year in and year out.”
LAUNCH OF CHAMPION ’CUSE: THE CAMPAIGN FOR SYRACUSE ATHLETICS
In February 2025 Syracuse University Athletics announced the launch of Champion 'CUSE: The Campaign for Syracuse Athletics—a sweeping $50 million fundraising campaign aimed at elevating success across all 20 varsity athletics programs and competing for championships.
Launched ahead of the House Settlement’s formal approval in June, which allowed universities to directly share up to $20.5 million in revenue with student-athletes beginning July 1, the campaign sets the foundation for sustained success in a new collegiate landscape.
As part of Champion ’CUSE, the ’Cuse Athletics Fund introduced a new giving option called ‘Athletics Competitive Excellence’. Athletics Competitive Excellence allows donors to directly contribute towards revenue-sharing opportunities for Syracuse University student-athletes and strengthens our athletic programs’ ability to recruit, retain and develop elite talent to build championship-caliber rosters.
In addition to Athletics Competitive Excellence, philanthropic support to other ’Cuse Athletics Fund giving avenues, including the Athletics Opportunity Fund and sport-specific Head Coach’s Funds also count towards the Champion ’CUSE campaign to ensure each donor can support the area(s) of Syracuse Athletics they feel most passionately about. Each of these giving options will help elevate Syracuse Athletics to the next level. Learn more about each giving option, or make a gift, below:
LEGENDS SOCIETY
Legends Society reached a key milestone this past year by surpassing the 300-household mark.
Launched publicly in 2021, the Legends Society recognizes and stewards donors who make philanthropic commitments to Syracuse Athletics of $25,000 or more over five years. With six unique giving levels and tailored stewardship opportunities, the Legends Society continues to drive transformational impact.
“Legends Society donors lay the foundation for everything we do,” said Jordie Kindervater, Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Development. “Reaching 300 households is a testament to the passion and support this community has for Syracuse Athletics. Every single donor goes the extra mile for our student-athletes, and we’re deeply grateful for their investment.”
FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE CENTER AT THE JOHN A. LALLY ATHLETICS COMPLEX
In Spring 2025, Syracuse Football unveiled its new Football Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility within the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, made possible by 100% philanthropic funding from Legends Society donors. Highlights of the space include a new locker room, athletic training room, dining center, position meeting rooms, offices, a player lounge, and several additional amenities that will play a key role in pushing the program to the next level.
The space was revealed to the team in March, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in April. More than 100 guests joined the event alongside the entire football team. Featured speakers at the ceremony included Scott Hanson ’93, Chancellor Kent Syverud, Director of Athletics John Wildhack, head football coach Fran Brown, and Trustee John Lally ’82.
Up next on the facility front for Syracuse Athletics will be the completion of the One Team Olympic Sports Center, a centralized ‘hub’ for all Syracuse student-athletes to study, connect, and recover with a new lounge, cafeteria, dining room, sports medicine center, and student-athlete recovery space.
About the 'Cuse Athletics Fund
The 'Cuse Athletics Fund ('CAF) is the driving force of private support for Syracuse University Athletics. Thanks to the commitment and passion of our supporters, Syracuse Athletics leverages exceptional athletics and academics to build a first-in-class experience for 550+ student-athletes across 20 varsity sports programs. For more information on supporting Syracuse Athletics, visit Give.Cuse.com or contact the ’Cuse Athletics Fund at caf@syr.edu.
