2024 Impact Guide

ABOUT THE PROUD & TRUE FUND

JMU Athletics needs your support to continue to annually impact the JMU student-athlete experience.

Your donation to the Proud & True Fund (PATF), the JMU Athletics annual fund, supports JMU student-athlete scholarships — celebrating our student-athlete academic and athletic achievements — while also providing unrestricted vital financial assistance for team operations and the Athletics general operating budget.

YOUR IMPACT

Annual gifts to the PATF immediately go to impact all 18 JMU varsity sport programs and more than 500 student-athletes, allowing JMU Athletics to continue to field a premier NCAA Division I intercollegiate program.

With the support of donors, like you, JMU student-athletes can relentlessly pursue conference and national championships while exemplifying the athletic program’s motto: “Dukes Do Better” in all they do — from academic achievement and personal development, to social responsibility and competitive excellence – the Dukes continue to rise.

YOUR BENEFITS

Donors who make a gift of $75 or more can enjoy the exclusive benefits of the Duke Club. Explore the benefits chart to learn more about membership, tickets, parking, and more.

PRIORITY POINTS

From the time of making your first gift to the Duke Club, you will begin to accumulate priority points through your support of JMU Athletics. priority points are used when assigning tickets and parking, including away games and postseason events.

There are a number of ways to earn priority points to access premier gameday parking, earn the opportunity to buy away game tickets and gain access to other game day amenities.

Learn more at

JMUDukeClub.com/ProudandTrue

• Gold column denotes Young Alumni pricing at Paw Level.

• Donors receive 100% tax deductibility for gifts to the Proud and True Fund (PATF).

• Gifts to the PATF will receive priority points

• Football parking access begins at the corresponding giving level. Your gift does NOT guarantee a specific spot.

• Your PATF covers both Football and Basketball seasons.

To view the benefits chart key, visit JMUDukeClub.com/Benefits

ANNUAL FUND

IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

DUKE CLUB

PATF donors, of $75 or more, become members of the Duke Club and are invited to enjoy game-day experience benefits related to hospitality and parking for both football and basketball.

STUDENT DUKE CLUB

All JMU students are invited to join the Student Duke Club (SDC), the official student fan section of JMU Athletics that provides students the opportunity to grow the “We Bleed Purple” culture together!

SDC is a philanthropic student membership group, with a $25 annual commitment, that grants members exclusive benefits including: SDC apparel, 24-hour early ticket access, invitations to member-only events, spotlight recognition and leadership opportunities!

YOUNG ALUMNI IMPACT

The Duke Club Young Alumni Program allows recent graduates to directly impact JMU Athletics. We understand the financial rigors after graduation, so this program is intended to provide higher level benefits to graduates of the last four years at a reasonable cost.

To qualify, you must be a recent JMU graduate within the last four years. Young Alumni pay a $75 donation to the PATF to receive a Paw Level membership ($150 value, denoted in gold on the benefits chart).

WAYS TO GIVE

DONATE ONLINE jmudukeclub.com/give

MAIL

380 University Blvd.

Attn: The Duke Club

MSC 0402

Harrisonburg, VA 22807

PAYMENT METHODS

PHONE (540) 568-6461

JMU Payroll Deduction - Employees of James Madison University have the opportunity to set up a direct deduction from their paychecks to be transferred to the Duke Club. Visit JMUDukeClub.com/Payroll for more information.

Bequests - Bequests, or gifts from your estate through your will, are an effective means of supporting JMU. You may add a codicil to your will at any time to include a gift for JMU Athletics. Learn more about the Morrison-Ehlers Athletic Society and how a planned or estate gift will benefit JMU Athletics far beyond your lifetime at JMUDukeClub.com/PlannedGiving.

Matching Gifts - Double your gift by seeing if your company offers a matching gift program. Verify with your company to determine the specific criteria and policies by which they will match gifts. See the university's matching gift site to begin the matching gifts process or contact them at matchgifts@jmu.edu or (540) 568-2853.

Non-Cash Gifts - Non-Cash gifts to the Duke Club, including appreciated securities such as stocks, bonds, real estate, products and services, and gifts in-kind, may be donated for use by the JMU Athletics. Further information about stock transfers, visit the JMU Foundation’s website at jmu. edu/foundation or call our office at (540) 568-6461.

SPORT PROGRAM

IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

PER PROGRAM

RESTRICTED-USE FUNDS

Show your support for your favorite JMU Athletics team.

Gifts to individual programs are restricted to the sport-specific program fund.

Funds are immediately available to team leadership to use at their discretion to enhance the JMU student-athlete experience and to support team operational needs including, but not limited to, expanding and enhancing:

• Recruiting Outreach

• Travel Opportunities

• Resources for New Training Equipment

• Team Bonding Opportunities

Note: Gifts to sport program funds do not receive benefits, do not cover required seat contributions, and cannot be attributed to Proud and True memberships.

Learn more at

JMUDukeClub.com/sportgiving

19 PROGRAMS

ENDLESS IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

WOMEN’S SPORT PROGRAMS:

• Basketball

• Cross Country

• Field Hockey

• Golf

• Lacrosse

• Soccer

• Softball

• Swimming & Diving

• Tennis

• Track & Field

• Volleyball

MEN’S SPORT PROGRAMS:

• Baseball

• Basketball

• Football

• Golf • Soccer

• Tennis

SPIRIT PROGRAMS:

• Cheerleading & Duke Dog Mascot Program

What is an endowment fund?

An endowment fund is a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding. Endowment assets are invested. Each year, a portion of the value of the fund is paid out to support the fund’s purpose, and any earnings in excess of this distribution are used to build the fund’s market value. In this way, an endowment fund can grow and provide support for its designated purpose in perpetuity.

ATHLETICS ENDOWMENT

Impacting the entire JMU Athletic Department, the JMU Athletics Endowment was established by Jim and Kathy Hill, as a bequest, to annually provide financial resources for JMU Athletics program and budgetary support. Funds are to be administered at the discretion of the Director of Athletics, or designee of the Director of Athletics, and follow the University’s guidelines for the expenditure of such funds.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Supporting JMU Women’s Basketball Endowment allows our program to compete with “Power Five” schools. This endowment will help our ability to recruit top-tier talent, expand recruiting travel internationally, and enhance our branding for important on-campus visits. Your financial support will expand the opportunities for team travel, provide new equipment and grow exposure for our current student-athletes to continue their playing careers professionally. Ultimately, it will improve the overall student-athlete experience and elevate our program nationally.

The purpose of this initiative is to establish support for the JMU Women’s Lacrosse program in perpetuity. It is the program’s mission to ask JMU women’s lacrosse alumnae, family and friends to leave their legacy through this endowment. This endowment will be utilized to enhance the support of the general lacrosse operating budget above and beyond what is currently provided to this fully-funded program.

1994 EXCELLENCE ENDOWMENT

The 1994 Excellence Endowment is named in honor of the 1994 JMU Field Hockey National Championship team. The fund was created by the 1994 team commitment to financially support the program for continued success into the future. The women laid the foundation with the goal is to use these funds on program needs for recruiting, operational costs, and continued program growth now and into the future.

How much money does it take to start an endowment?

$25,000 will establish an undesignated athletic scholarship endowment.

$50,000 will establish a restricted athletic scholarship endowment that is awarded to student athletes based on donor-defined criteria that are within the university’s guidelines.

Examples include specific sports, geographic preferences and academic requirements.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Endowment for Excellence in Women’s Volleyball is a huge opportunity for our program to continue to provide incredible student-athlete experiences as we compete for Sun Belt championships every year. Endowment funds will be used to support program needs above and beyond the annual budget. Our pre-season team bonding trip is just one of many things that this endowment can support for years to come.

BABCOCK LEGACY

Coach Brad Babcock built JMU Baseball into one of the preeminent programs in the region and touched the lives of many over his 32 years of service at James Madison University. The Babcock Legacy Endowment Endeavor aims to permanently cement Coach Brad Babcock’s footprint on the JMU Baseball Program. The Babcock Legacy Endowment has been established to support the JMU Baseball program in perpetuity.

Note: The full list of JMU Athletics endowments is available at JMUDukeClub.com/Endowments.

MEMBER GROUPS IMPACT

ASSIST CLUB

Show your support for Women’s Basketball by joining the JMU Women’s Basketball Assist Club, an exclusive giving membership group for donors who make an annual $1,000 restricted gift to Women’s Basketball. Assist Club members must also be Duke Club members who have contributed a minimum of $75 to the Proud & True Fund.

Assist Club benefits include:

• Contributing to the success of the JMU Women’s Basketball program

• Preseason Event with team and Head Coach

• Private Scrimmage invitation

• Access to practice (must be coordinated through Duke Club and approved by head coach)

• Periodic newsletter with updates on team progress and recruiting

• Women’s Basketball branded gear

• Invitation to Assist Club only event night before first Sun Belt tournament game

• Team awards banquet

• Team meal invitation

“The Assist Club will take this program up another level. We compete on a national stage with programs around the country and we want to provide our student-athletes national level support in their journey here at JMU. The Assist Club will give us the boost we need to climb another stair.”

- Head Coach Sean O’Regan

DOG POUND

Show your support for Men’s Basketball by joining the JMU Men’s Basketball Dog Pound, an exclusive giving membership group for donors who make a five-year commitment for an annual restricted gift of $7,500 to Men’s Basketball.

Dog Pound members must also be Duke Club members who have contributed a minimum of $2,000 to the Proud & True Fund. Total annual commitment is $9,500.

Dog Pound benefits include:

• Contributing to the success of the JMU Men’s Basketball program

• Retreat with other Dog Pound members and coaches

• Preseason Dinner at Head Coach’s house

• Private Scrimmage

• Access to practice (must be coordinated through Duke Club and approved by head coach)

• Periodic newsletter with updates on team progress and recruiting

• Dog Pound only event night before first Sun Belt tournament game

• Team awards banquet

• Team meal invitation

MEMBER GROUPS

IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CIRCLE

Show your support for the Student-Athlete Leadership Program (SALDP) by joining the Athletic Director (AD) Circle, an exclusive giving membership group for donors who make a $25,000 restricted gift to SALDP Endowment over five years.

Help us grow the Student-Athlete Leadership Program Endowment to $5 million.

With this support, the program will become self-sustainable and be able to offer the resources necessary to provide an impactful experience for our student-athletes.

AD Circle benefits include:

• Contributing to the success of JMU student-athletes

• Quarterly newsletter with program updates

• Student-athlete mentor facilitated discussions with a student-athlete throughout the year

• Website/online recognition

• Recognition on Dukes LEAD plaque in the APC over 5 years

• Early access and open invitation to participate in workshops

• Invited to kickoff event each year with athletic director and student-athletes

Dukes LEAD Mission:

Developing a platform where JMU student-athletes can intentionally focus on positive initiatives outside of athletics and academics to prepare them for life after college.

Dukes LEAD Vision:

As student-athletes grow while at JMU for four years, Dukes LEAD is designed to provide diverse experiences to increase the background and profile of a given individual.

Such preparation will insure that the student-athletes are competitive in life and will excel in their steps after graduation as they expand upon the academic and athletic experiences garnered from their time at JMU.

Dukes LEAD Values:

The Student-Athlete Leadership Program knows that each student-athlete has their own unique goals and vision for their future. Dukes LEAD wants to be a springboard for these athletes to help guide them to their goals. We plan to do this through:

• Professional Development

• Personal Development

• Life Skills

• Leadership Skills

We hope to create an atmosphere where the athletes can make the most of their four years at JMU and become a productive and happy individual upon graduation.

For more information about Dukes LEAD, contact Cassidy Clements, Assistant A.D. for Student Athlete Leadership at (540) 568-7833 or clemencl@jmu.edu.

MEMBER GROUPS

IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

The Circle of Champions was established in the Fall of 2008 by President Rose to show the university’s appreciation to donors of $100,000 or greater of approved capital projects within JMU Athletics.

Show your support for JMU Athletics by joining the Circle of Champions, an exclusive giving membership group that consist of individual members and organizations. JMU Athletics and the Duke Club welcomes new Circle of Champions members who can help invest in championship facilities through capital project support.

Circle of Champions benefits include:

• Contributing to the success of JMU Athletics and JMU student-athletes

• Annual Circle of Champions member only event

• Periodic newsletter with capital project updates

• Facility naming rights opportunities

• Duke Club Priority Points

Learn more about how you can get involved with the Circle of Champions and JMU Athletics Capital Projects.

Contact Scooter Renkin, Associate Athletic Director for Development, at (540) 568-5173 or renkinsg@jmu.edu.

FACILITIES IMPACTED BY THE CIRCLE OF CHAMPIONS

Bridgeforth Stadium

Robert & Frances Plecker Athletic Performance Center

Veterans Memorial Park

Atlantic Union Bank Center

CAPITAL & NAMING

IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

Impact the JMU student-athlete, team, fan, community and recruiting experience by supporting JMU Athletics capital projects.

A number of naming opportunities are available throughout JMU Athletics facilities. Donation amounts vary by facility and area.

All facility naming opportunities are based on availabiity.

FIELD HOCKEY COMPLEX CAMPAIGN

FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,000,000

Help enhance the JMU Field Hockey Complex and overall facility needs to support the JMU student-athlete and fan experience.

JMU SOFTBALL VIDEO BOARD PROJECT

FUNDRAISING GOAL: $250,000

Help enhance the JMU Softball facility by supporting the videoboard project. This project will elevate the fan and gameday experience, along with team recruiting, through a new videoboard and improved sound system.

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

There are a number of JMU Athletic Facility Naming Opportunities available. Leave your mark on campus by bestowing your name upon a facility, or components within a facility like locker rooms, offices, weight rooms and more.

The following facilities have naming opportunities available:

Atlantic Union Bank Center

Bridgeforth Stadium

Robert and Frances Plecker Athletic Performance Center

Veterans Memorial Park

The Convocation Center

To view the specific naming opportunities and pricing, visit JMUDukeClub.com/NamingRights.

PLANNED GIVING

MORRISON-EHLERS ATHLETICS SOCIETY

The Morrison-Ehlers Athletics Society intends to recognize individuals who make a planned gift for JMU Athletics. A planned or estate gift will benefit JMU Athletics far beyond your lifetime and honor these two revered sports pioneers.

The Society is named for two legendary JMU administrators who pioneered modern athletics for our University and established the foundation for our success and reputation in intercollegiate athletics — Dr. Lee Morrison and Mr. Dean Ehlers.

ABOUT PLANNED GIFTS

Now you can honor the legacy by creating a legacy of your own to impact JMU Athletics and JMU student-athletes for years to come. Examples of planned giving opportunities include:

• Naming JMU Athletics in your will or living trust

• Naming JMU Athletics as a beneficiary of a retirement plan

• Naming JMU Athletics as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy

• Naming JMU Athletics as a beneficiary of an IRA

• Naming JMU Athletics as a beneficiary of a CD

BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIFTS

When you designate your planned gift to JMU Athletics, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Become a member of JMU’s overarching planned giving legacy society, the Madison Founders Society

• Become a member of the Morrison-Ehlers Athletics Society for athletics

• Receive invitations to special events

• Receive special recognitions

Additionally, your gift will shape the future of JMU Athletics programs for generations to come. Your gift will:

• Benefit countless lives and many generations

• Strengthen JMU Athletics and continue to build our national reputation

• Help create the best student-athlete experience possible

• Affiliate your family’s name with the future of JMU Athletics for all time

HOW TO MAKE YOUR PLANNED GIFT

To make your planned gift and become a member of the Morrison-Ehlers Athletics Society please complete the following steps:

• Name the JMU Foundation Inc. as a beneficiary, designating your planned gift for athletics.

• Notify JMU about your arrangements so we can make sure we understand your wishes and fulfill your bequest as you intend. (We can also provide you or your adviser with sample bequest language, if desired.)

ABOUT MORRISON & EHLERS

Dr. Lee Morrison • During her storied professional career, Dr. Morrison was a JMU professor, coach and associate athletics director. In addition to her significant impact at JMU, Dr. Morrison also impacted the national and international arena of women’s athletics as a lifelong advocate for equality in intercollegiate sports. She was the first president of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, President and founding member of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, and member of the United States Olympic Committee.

Mr. Dean Ehlers • The inspiration behind the Colonial Athletic Association’s (CAA) Dean Ehlers Sportsmanship Award — an annual award recognizing male and female basketball student-athletes who “embody the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through their academic and athletic achievements” — Mr. Ehlers led by example at JMU and across the landscape of intercollegiate athletics. Known as the “Dean of Madison Athletics,” he served as a JMU coach and athletic director during his 22 years at the helm of Dukes Athletics. He was also founder of the JMU Division I-AA men’s intercollegiate athletics program and founding president of the CAA.

CONTACT US

IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES

Our Duke Club development staff is here to help you along your journey to financially impacting the JMU student-athlete experience. No matter the question, we always have time for you and look forward to connecting with you.

Associate Athletic Director for Development

renkinsg@jmu.edu

(540) 568-5173

Jared Lowry

Athletic Development Officer

lowryjc@jmu.edu

(540) 568-2961

Athletic Development Officer

thoma6ds@jmu.edu

(540) 568-3906

Scooter Renkin

Dillon Thomas