University of Tennessee Athletics
Back-to-Back Record-Setting Fundraising Years for Tennessee Athletics and the Tennessee Fund
August 07, 2023 | General, Tennessee Fund
Following the historically competitive year for Tennessee Athletics in 2022-23 – a record sixth-place finish in the LEARFIELD Directors' Cup and second consecutive SEC All-Sports title – the Tennessee Fund reported its second-straight record year across multiple fundraising metrics.
The Tennessee Fund had an all-time and record-breaking fundraising year during the 2022 fiscal year (FY22). However, the Tennessee Fund surpassed those historic benchmarks to establish new top marks for fundraising total ($89,338,717), cash receipts ($72,821,769) and total donors (28,387) in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 (FY23). Including new premium seating initiatives, the Tennessee Fund accounted for more than $131,450,717 in revenue generated during FY23.
"When I arrived at Tennessee, I knew we had an opportunity to increase our self-generated resources," Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. "This historic fundraising total is an example of that. We are aggressively generating resources to invest back into our student-athletes and coaches."
"The Tennessee Fund team continues to build meaningful relationships in our community, in the state and around the nation," White said. "The magnitude of these fundraising totals would not be possible without their relentless effort. In addition, Vol Nation continues to assert its power, providing championship-caliber resources that allow us to pursue SEC and national championships. Excited to watch us continue to Rise Glorious!"
Since the arrival of White in January of 2021, the fundraising impact has been monumental on Rocky Top. Each primary fundraising bucket has grown tremendously.
First, priority fund contributions tied to tickets and parking are at historic highs as Tennessee Athletics introduced modernized adjustments to pricing. In addition, sellouts across many venues propel impressive fundraising numbers in this space.
Second, the leadership-level, philanthropic giving society – the Shareholders Society, now boasts more than 500 members. Since its launch in April 2021, the Shareholders Society has grown more than 300 percent.
For the second consecutive year, every full-time member of the Tennessee Athletics Department contributed philanthropically to UT's annual staff giving initiative.
The Tennessee Fund has grown 150.8 percent in fundraising total over the two years, going from $35.6 million in FY21 to $89.3 million in FY23.
Cash receipts have grown nearly 95 percent from $37.6 million in FY21 to $72.8 million in FY23.
Donor growth has been equally impressive, growing 133 percent over the two years from 12,011 in FY21 to 28,387 in FY23.
Whether fundraising for cutting-edge capital projects, developing modern premium amenities or maximizing seat-based giving, the Tennessee Fund continues to provide Tennessee Athletics with a winning edge by generating resources that allow for strategic investments in student-athletes, coaches and programmatic infrastructure.
"It's a privilege to generate championship resources for all of our student-athletes and coaches," Executive Associate Athletics Director of Development Brady Hart said. "The Tennessee Fund team loves their role in building relationships that bolster our brand. Last year, our fundraising productivity was incredible. It's hard to believe that we have surpassed the enormous totals from a year ago."
As Tennessee seeks to build on its championship tradition across all sports, the ongoing My All Campaign is fueling the pursuit of enhanced championship resources to support student-athletes' academic and competitive goals.
Since White launched the My All Campaign in the summer of 2021, the Tennessee Fund has secured commitments totaling over $419 million, 84 percent of the campaign's goal of raising $500 million by summer 2026.
"Thank you to all our donors, fans, friends and season ticket holders," Hart said. "Vol Nation is a force! You are giving your all for Tennessee and we appreciate your generosity. Please continue your financial support in a way that is both meaningful and comfortable to you!"
