Today, people nationwide are encouraged to participate in #GivingTuesday, demonstrating their support for the causes dear to their hearts. This year, we extend an invitation for you to join the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Athletics in celebrating the impact of two life-changing initiatives: Athletics scholarships and NIL opportunities through ICON for Illini.
YOUR GIFT DOES MORE ON #GIVINGTUESDAY
We did it! Your gifts of $265,321 unlocked an additional $100,000 in support of NIL opportunities for Illinois student-athletes!
There is still time to participate this #GivingTuesday
EVERY I FUND GIFT, NO MATTER THE SIZE, HELPS MOVE THE ILLINI FORWARD BY:
SUPPORTING OUR GREATEST NEED, STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIPS
We see potential in all of our student-athletes. And so, we are committed to providing the resources and services necessary for our student-athletes to earn a degree and engage in career advancement opportunities that will prepare them to be leaders long after their athletics careers have ended. Fighting Illini student-athletes receive more than $13 million in financial aid, making Illinois Athletics one of the largest providers of scholarship assistance in the entire university.
ATTRACTING AND RETAINING ELITE COACHES AND STUDENT-ATHLETES
Coaching is critical to on-field success, and resources are critical to attracting and retaining the best in the business. Private support of Illinois Athletics gives us the freedom to put together quality coaching staffs and supply them with the tools to recruit nationwide for the next generation of Illini greats.
BUILDING AND MAINTAINING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
We must demonstrate a commitment to building, supporting, and sustaining a winning athletic program. Gifts to Fighting Illini Athletics allow us to recruit nationwide for the best student-athletes and make sure they are educated, trained, equipped, and fueled to out-perform the competition.
A SPECIAL GIFT, JUST FOR YOU!
DECK YOUR WALLS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. ILLINI FANS MAKING A GIFT OF AT LEAST $50 DURING THE #GIVINGTUESDAY CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE A PERSONALIZED 8" X 10" SCRIPT ILLINOIS BASKETBALL JERSEY PRINT.
*Black frame not included
THE IMPORTANCE OF NAME, IMAGE & LIKENESS (NIL) SUPPORT
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) continues to be the greatest opportunity for athletic programs to gain and maintain a competitive advantage against their peers. It is imperative that ICON be able to provide robust NIL resources for our 21 athletic programs, so they can recruit, retain and develop elite-level talent, and continue their pursuit of championships in the years to come.
WHAT DOES ICON DO?
ICON for Illini facilitates partnerships between Fighting Illini student-athletes and fans, alumni, businesses, non-profits and other community organizations to create meaningful Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. In addition to providing robust financial support to our student-athletes, these NIL opportunities infuse professional and entrepreneurial lessons that will set them up for sustained, elite-level success, on and off the field of play.
HOW IT WORKS
You, as an individual or business, make a contribution to ICON. Following this, ICON takes charge by organizing an activity and invites Illinois student-athletes to participate. These dedicated athletes complete the activity, channeling their time and talents into giving back to the community, local businesses and others. ICON ensures that the student-athletes are recognized for their efforts by initiating payments directly to them, acknowledging their valuable contributions and enhancing their experience outside of their sport.
ACTIVATE AN ICON MEMBERSHIP AT THE GREEN STREET LEVEL ($25/month)
and receive an exclusive ICON for Illini beanie as a special thank you gift.
ACTIVATE AN ICON MEMBERSHIP AT THE QUAD LEVEL ($100/month) OR ABOVE
and receive your choice of a Fighting Illini ugly sweater or a sherpa blanket as a special thank you gift.
