SFA Athletics Surpasses $100k ‘Raise The Axe Campaign’ Goal
2/4/2021 10:39:00 AM | General
NACOGDOCHES, Texas-- The Stephen F. Austin Athletic Department and the Purple Lights Fund set an ambitious goal in September 2020 to reach $100k in additional funds to help close the revenue gap brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic. With the final gifts received and accounted for, that goal has been surpassed – raising a total of $114,320 from 251 donations. Of that total, $56,440 unrestricted and $57,880 restricted funds were raised.
"The support from our fans, donors and administration throughout this campaign has been inspiring," said Director of Athletic Development Tyler Boone. "When the goal was set in September, I thought it would be challenging yet attainable. Once again, 'Jack Nation stepped up in a big way for our student-athletes."
The Raise The Axe Campaign kicked off with a focus on raising unrestricted funds; money available to be used at the discretion of the athletics director for the most pressing needs of the department as a whole. Many creative techniques were developed by Caringcent, the fundraising technology and service partner of SFA Athletics, including customized digital donation experiences, Text2Connect features, integrated email and social media communications, virtual golf tournament, and special giveaway items.
"We are turning a corner in this industry on how to reach and engage donors", Boone said. "I consider the Caringcent team an extension of the PLF staff. The way they help us provide donors with unique ways to support our student-athletes is cutting edge and obviously quite effective."
"We've successfully coupled our fundraising technology, expertise and staff service with the SFA Athletics team's passion, hustle and broad vision of their available sport base", said Jim Wills, CEO of CaringCent. "'Jack Nation reaches far and wide and together we've identified and converted new donors and further engaged existing supporters. The primary component to our success is an athletic department partner's willingness to innovate – the SFA Athletics team has this attribute in spades. Going forward in 2021, the 'Jacks have incredible momentum and we're here to help them make the most of it."
As the calendar shifted to December, a focus was put on sport-specific goals and end-of-year giving. Each sport program set a tangible goal to achieve and communicated that message using head coach and student-athlete voices. The result was enough to put the overall campaign goal in reach, ultimately surpassing $100k when all donations were received in January 2021.
"On behalf of everyone associated with SFA Athletics, thank you for your generosity and support during this time of need", said Ryan Ivey. "'Jack Nation is extremely special and plays a significant part in our ability to be successful at a very high level. I also want to thank our coaches and student-athletes for embracing the challenge and using their platform to help promote the campaign. There is no question that they played a major role in helping us achieve our goal."
While the completion of the Raise The Axe Campaign is worth celebrating, there is still a long way to go.
"This campaign was a great start to a longer term strategy for our fundraising efforts. As we transition into the WAC and out of the pandemic, we must take another step in growing our private financial support that is so critical in our ability to provide a great student-athlete experience."
"Our reality, like many others, has changed, and we must embrace that change and challenge head on. We continue to grow our PLF annual fund in order to meet the ever-changing demands of college athletics. If you haven't joined us yet, we respectfully ask that you consider making a gift for our student-athletes. Every amount is significant, larger or small. As the late John Wooden once said, 'Do not let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can do.'"
You can give to the Purple Lights Fund by visiting https://purplelightsfund.org/
"The support from our fans, donors and administration throughout this campaign has been inspiring," said Director of Athletic Development Tyler Boone. "When the goal was set in September, I thought it would be challenging yet attainable. Once again, 'Jack Nation stepped up in a big way for our student-athletes."
The Raise The Axe Campaign kicked off with a focus on raising unrestricted funds; money available to be used at the discretion of the athletics director for the most pressing needs of the department as a whole. Many creative techniques were developed by Caringcent, the fundraising technology and service partner of SFA Athletics, including customized digital donation experiences, Text2Connect features, integrated email and social media communications, virtual golf tournament, and special giveaway items.
"We are turning a corner in this industry on how to reach and engage donors", Boone said. "I consider the Caringcent team an extension of the PLF staff. The way they help us provide donors with unique ways to support our student-athletes is cutting edge and obviously quite effective."
"We've successfully coupled our fundraising technology, expertise and staff service with the SFA Athletics team's passion, hustle and broad vision of their available sport base", said Jim Wills, CEO of CaringCent. "'Jack Nation reaches far and wide and together we've identified and converted new donors and further engaged existing supporters. The primary component to our success is an athletic department partner's willingness to innovate – the SFA Athletics team has this attribute in spades. Going forward in 2021, the 'Jacks have incredible momentum and we're here to help them make the most of it."
As the calendar shifted to December, a focus was put on sport-specific goals and end-of-year giving. Each sport program set a tangible goal to achieve and communicated that message using head coach and student-athlete voices. The result was enough to put the overall campaign goal in reach, ultimately surpassing $100k when all donations were received in January 2021.
"On behalf of everyone associated with SFA Athletics, thank you for your generosity and support during this time of need", said Ryan Ivey. "'Jack Nation is extremely special and plays a significant part in our ability to be successful at a very high level. I also want to thank our coaches and student-athletes for embracing the challenge and using their platform to help promote the campaign. There is no question that they played a major role in helping us achieve our goal."
While the completion of the Raise The Axe Campaign is worth celebrating, there is still a long way to go.
"This campaign was a great start to a longer term strategy for our fundraising efforts. As we transition into the WAC and out of the pandemic, we must take another step in growing our private financial support that is so critical in our ability to provide a great student-athlete experience."
"Our reality, like many others, has changed, and we must embrace that change and challenge head on. We continue to grow our PLF annual fund in order to meet the ever-changing demands of college athletics. If you haven't joined us yet, we respectfully ask that you consider making a gift for our student-athletes. Every amount is significant, larger or small. As the late John Wooden once said, 'Do not let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can do.'"
You can give to the Purple Lights Fund by visiting https://purplelightsfund.org/
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