I FUND
Club Levels
THE LOYALTY CIRCLE (LC) ($10,000 and above)
Philosophical statement: Established in 1993 with 15 "pioneer members", the Loyalty Circle is a family of exceptional donors who have chosen to sponsor a single student-athlete through his/her academic and athletic career at the U of I. This is truly one of the greatest gifts our program can receive, and a wonderful way for our sponsors to see their donations in action. Although special privileges are afforded to Loyalty Circle members, the primary motivation to invest in the future of a young person is the feeling one receives from providing the opportunity for an individual to reach his or her full potential.
Members wishing to sponsor a student-athlete may do so in one of three ways: (1) a $10,000 annual contribution, (2) a $50,000 lump sum contribution every five years, or (3) establishing a $300,000 endowed scholarship which lasts in perpetuity.
Special Benefits: Stadium Club access (up to 8 people) at home football games (includes complimentary pre-game buffet, complimentary beverages including full-service bar, private rest rooms, coat room, hosted by I FUND staff members), personalized/named parking space for season ticket holders at home football and home basketball games, special invitations to unique athletic department functions, as well as the #1 priority for all ticketing needs.
Each time members celebrate five consecutive years of membership, they are recognized in a special manner. At the annual Loyalty Circle dinner, they are introduced to the student-athlete which they have sponsored and are presented a special memento by that student-athlete to commemorate the association. Most recently, the memento has been a bronze sculpture created by Peter Fagan, a well-known artist who is also a professor/faculty member in the University of Illinois College of Fine Arts.
After ten years, a member's continuing support is recognized for their Illinois loyalty with a sculpture created by internationally known artist and University of Illinois graduate, George Lundeen. This original bronze commemorative piece honors members whose legacy of giving continues to support our student-athletes, while graciously providing them with the opportunity to gain an education and the privilege to compete at sport's highest level.
When a Loyalty Circle member arrive at 15 years of consecutive giving, there long-standing years of support are commemorated with a special gift, a 14 karat gold championship style ring or pendant specially designed by Jostens. It signifies and celebrates our donors, who are champions of our cause elevating the efforts of our student-athletes, in the classroom and in competition, to their highest levels.
BLOCK-I COUNCIL ($6000-$9999)
Philosophical statement: A member participating at this club level contributes substantially to our student-athletes welfare by providing support for their annual room and board expenses. Also, members providing vehicles for coaches and athletic staff members as part of the "Illini on Wheels" program receive membership in the Block I Council.
Special Benefits: Stadium Club access (up to 4 people) at home football games (includes complimentary pre-game buffet, complimentary beverages including full-service bar, private rest rooms, coat room, hosted by I FUND staff members). Additional benefits include a season parking pass for football season ticket holders based on availability, a season parking pass for men's basketball season ticket holders based on availability and #2 priority for all ticketing needs.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
OLYMPIAN CLUB ($3000-$5999)
Philosophical statement: A member at this club level contributes substantially towards the cost of tuition for one semester for our student-athletes.
Special Benefits: Season parking pass for football season ticket holders based on availability, a season parking pass for men's basketball season ticket holders based on availability and the #3 priority for all ticketing needs.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
OSKEE CLUB ($1000-$2999)
Philosophical statement: A member at this club level contributes substantially towards the cost of books and fees for our student-athletes.
Special Benefits: Season parking pass for football season ticket holders based on availability, a season parking pass men's basketball season ticket holders based on availability and the #4 priority for all ticketing needs.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
CHAMPION CLUB ($500-$999):
Philosophical statement: A member at this club level contributes toward the cost of student-athlete Life Skills Education and Academic Support Services.
Special Benefits: Season parking pass for football season ticket holders based on availability, a season parking pass for men's basketball season ticket holders based on availability and the #5 priority for all ticketing needs.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
ALL-AMERICAN CLUB ($250-$499)
Philosophical statement: A member at this club level contributes toward the cost of student-athlete Life Skills Education.
Special Benefits: Season parking pass for football season ticket holders based on availability, a season parking pass for men's basketball season ticket holders based on availability and the #6 priority for all ticketing needs.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
CAPTAINS CLUB ($100-$249)
Philosophical statement: A member at this club level contributes toward the cost of student-athlete Academic Support Services.
Special Benefits: Season parking pass for football season ticket holders based on availability, a season parking pass for men's basketball season ticket holders based on availability and the #7 priority for all ticketing needs.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
Matching Gifts
Many members significantly increase the value of their donation (along with their benefits and privileges) by enrolling in their company's matching gift program (contact your employer for more details). Member benefits are based upon the total amount (the personal gift plus the company's match) the I FUND receives. Please note: If the total of your donation and the total amount matched by your employer does not equal the amount due to fulfill your pledge, you will be required to pay the difference in order to maintain the club benefits.
Courtesy Car Program
The University of Illinois maintains a courtesy car program with car dealers. This unique program provides special benefits to those providing DIA staff members the use of one of their vehicles. The availability of these vehicles allows the DIA to reduce expenses incurred in department travel, thus allowing more of our resources to be directed to the sports programs. Additionally, the vehicles help the DIA remain competitive in the marketplace for top staff.
Some of the benefits available to members include: a Block I Council membership, acknowledgement in all home football and men's basketball game programs, a complimentary season ticket package in football and men's basketball season parking pass, post-season ticketing priorities, complimentary football game-day buffet (up to 4 guests) in the Stadium Club, along with special invitations to exclusive I FUND functions. Interested parties should contact the Champaign I FUND office at (217) 333-6277 and ask to speak with a development officer.
Gift-in-kind
A "gift in kind" is a donation of a product, items, or merchandise...in place of a cash donation to the I FUND. These gifts (examples: vehicles, catering, hotel accommodations, printing, air travel, maintenance supplies, paper products, turf chemicals and fertilizers, fuel, equipment, and clothing) must provide budgetary relief for the athletic department. If you would like to apply for "gift in kind" status, please contact the Champaign I FUND Office. All gift in kind transactions must be approved by the Director of Development, DIA business office, and the DIA gift in kind committee before qualifying for priority benefits.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
While it is generally permissible for donors to direct gifts to The University of Illinois Foundation through donor advised funds (DAFs), there are restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that impact certain types of DAF contributions, including those to support the University of Illinois Athletics Department.
A contribution to qualifying DAFs (often held at community foundations) is treated by the IRS as a charitable contribution at the time of the contribution to the DAF. The donor may then advise to which charitable organization(s) distributions are made, such as to the I FUND. However, certain laws and IRS regulations prohibit a donor, donor advisor, or their family member from receiving more than incidental benefits as a result of the DAF distribution. The potential consequences of receiving impermissible benefits include jeopardizing the tax-exempt status of the entity maintaining the DAF and imposing significant excise taxes on the donor and/or their family member.
The impermissible benefits for a donor or family member to receive as a result of a gift made through a DAF includes the right to purchase athletic tickets and/or preferred parking privileges. Gifts to the IFUND at all membership levels provides benefits including the opportunity to purchase University of Illinois Athletics tickets and preferred parking. Therefore, neither the University of Illinois Foundation nor the University of Illinois Department of Athletics may accept a gift made through a DAF for I FUND membership, even if the donor ultimately chooses not to purchase the tickets.
However, a donor may still support the Illinois Athletics through a DAF gift if the donor declines all benefits that would otherwise be provided as a result of the gift. These gifts are directed into a University of Illinois fund that does not relate to I FUND membership, yet provides unrestricted support to the University of Illinois’ Department of Athletics. If the donor also wishes to become a part of the I FUND and receive the corresponding seating and parking benefits, a separate non-DAF gift may be made, which will result in membership benefits.
To learn more about supporting Illinois Athletics and the I FUND with a DAF gift, please contact the I FUND at (217) 333-6277 or peacock@illinois.edu. For specific information regarding your legal or tax situation, please consult your own professional advisor.
