The Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation and the Department of Athletics announced record-setting fundraising numbers for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The books have officially closed on the fourth full fiscal year for Georgia Southern Athletics under Athletic Director Jared Benko, and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 (FY24), the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation raised a record $12.99 million in new pledges and outright gifts and registered 3,206 donors. This marks the fourth consecutive fundraising record for the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation.
"We are deeply grateful for Eagle Nation's unwavering support and significant contributions towards creating an exceptional experience for our 450+ student-athletes," said Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Jared Benko. "Our achievement of over $100 million in capital projects is a testament to the generosity of donors, alumni, and fans, whose collective belief in our vision ensures that our best days are ahead!"
"The support of the Georgia Southern family has been, and continues to be, nothing short of remarkable," said Davis Hendrickson, Deputy Athletic Director for Development during the FY24 year. "The passion of Eagle Nation is contagious, and the impact of this new level of support can be seen and felt daily. Thank you!"
The Erk Russell Fund, the Athletic Foundation's annual fund, saw record individual membership levels this fiscal year. Additionally, the Athletic Foundation set a new high mark for major gift commitments, raising over $9.6M.
Over the past four fiscal years, the Athletic Foundation has raised over $40.95 million in support of Georgia Southern Athletics, the largest four-year fundraising window in department history. The $12.99M raised in FY24 represents a 185% increase in the previous Athletic Foundation record before FY21. Additionally, the Evans Family gift of $3M in FY24 marked the third time a single-gift school record was recorded in four years.
The Athletic Foundation Giving Societies celebrated reaching the 200 Members milestone in February. This group of generous donors plays a pivotal role in enhancing Eagle Athletics while growing the Athletic Foundation's support at an unprecedented rate.
Donations to the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation provide Eagle student-athletes with the resources they need to excel in the classroom and on the playing fields. To learn more or donate to support our 450+ student-athletes, please visit SoarAboveAll.com.
