Unprecedented Fundraising Success Continues for Tennessee Athletics and the Tennessee Fund

Tennessee Athletics had an extraordinary year of success in 2023-24, including a record third-place national finish in the LEARFIELD Directors' Cup and a third straight SEC All-Sports trophy. The Tennessee Fund also reported unprecedented success across multiple fundraising metrics.

For the third consecutive year, the Tennessee Fund had an all-time and record-breaking fundraising year during the 2024 fiscal year (FY24) and played an integral role in the historic University of Tennessee Foundation campus fundraising total of $332 million. The Tennessee Fund accounted for $139.7 million during FY24, the best year of athletics fundraising in school history.

"Our continued self-generated revenue growth is vital to building the best athletics department in the nation," Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. "This historic fundraising total is a prime example of our aggressive efforts to generate resources for reinvestment in our student-athletes and coaches.

"The Tennessee Fund team has been instrumental in fostering impactful connections within our community, across the Volunteer State and nationwide," White said. "These exceptional fundraising results are a testament to their tireless dedication. The unwavering support from Vol Nation has equipped us with championship-level resources, positioning us to pursue SEC and national titles."

Under White's exceptional leadership, fundraising success has soared. In the past four fiscal years, the Tennessee Fund has grown over $100 million, with fundraising results surging from $35.6 million in FY21 to $139.7 million this year.

It marks a remarkable 104 percent growth rate in cash received over the last four fiscal years for the Tennessee Fund, going from $37.6 million in FY21 to this year's record-setting total of nearly $77 million.

The annual fund has also grown tremendously over the last four fiscal years, going from $21.6 million in FY21 to just over $57 million this year (a 165 percent increase).

Since White's arrival in January 2021, Rocky Top's fundraising impact has been monumental.

Priority fund contributions tied to tickets and parking are at historic highs as Tennessee Athletics introduced modernized pricing adjustments. In addition, sellouts across many venues propel impressive fundraising numbers in this space. Tennessee sold out of its allotment for season tickets in football, men's basketball, softball and baseball in 2023-24.

The leadership-level, philanthropic giving society – the Shareholders Society, now boasts more than 750 members. Since its launch in April 2021, the Shareholders Society has grown more than 500 percent.

For the third consecutive year, every full-time member of the Tennessee Athletics Department contributed philanthropically to UT's annual staff giving initiative.

Whether fundraising for cutting-edge capital projects, developing modern premium amenities, or maximizing seat-based giving, the Tennessee Fund continues to give Tennessee Athletics a winning edge by generating resources that allow for strategic investments in student-athletes, coaches, and programmatic infrastructure.

"It's an exciting time to be a VOL! Our coaches and student-athletes are excelling in all facets of college athletics," Executive Associate Athletics Director of Development Brady Hart said. "As such, the Tennessee Fund is able to partner with Vol Nation to generate game-changing resources. The generosity from our friends, fans, alums and season ticket holders continues to be astounding. 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 $559 million, far exceeding the campaign's goal of raising $500 million by the summer of 2026. Due to the tremendous response so far, a new campaign goal will be announced soon.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Unprecedented Fundraising Success Continues for Tennessee Athletics and the Tennessee Fund

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