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 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 LC 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 at home football and home basketball games, invitation to the annual LC dinner, and special invitations to unique athletic department functions. Additional benefits include the mailing of football and basketball fan guides along with a commemorative platinum medallion (annually), a display plaque (for the medallions).
Each time members celebrate five consecutive years of membership, they are recognized in a special manner. At the annual LC 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.
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 the mailing of football and basketball fan guides (upon request), a season parking pass in the Red Lot for football and a season parking pass for men's basketball, a commemorative Gold medallion, a display plaque (for the medallions), and #2 priority for all ticketing needs.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ($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: Football and basketball fan guides available for purchase, a season parking pass in the Gold Lot for football and a season parking pass for men's basketball, the #3 priority for all ticketing needs, a commemorative Gold medallion, and a display plaque (for the medallions).
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
CHIEF 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: Commemorative silver medallion (annually), and display plaque (for the medallions), football and basketball fan guides available for purchase, and an Orange Lot parking pass for football and a season parking pass men's basketball.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
WARRIOR 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: Blue Lot parking pass for football and a season parking pass for men's basketball.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
BRAVE CLUB ($250-$499)
Philosophical statement: A member at this club level contributes toward the cost of student-athlete Life Skills Education.
Special Benefits: Brown Lot parking pass for football and a season parking pass for men's basketball.
Please note that all benefits are based upon availability and not guaranteed.
TOMAHAWK CLUB ($100-$249)
Philosophical statement: A member at this club level contributes toward the cost of student-athlete Academic Support Services.
Special Benefits: Research park parking pass for football and a season parking pass for men's basketball.
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 Memorial Stadium Varsity Room, 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.
