East Texas A&M University Athletics

What is changing?
The Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund, formerly the Lion Champions Fund, has become the primary focus of Lion Athletics’ fundraising efforts. The fund is used to support the scholarship needs of Lion student-athletes on an annual basis. The sport-specific Lion Champions Fund accounts that previously existed continue to operate but are now be called Excellence Funds.
 
Why is this change occurring?

• Focus – Scholarships are the largest expense line in the athletics budget, totaling nearly $4.5 million annually. As such, ensuring we can fund and maintain this level of scholarship support has become the number one fundraising priority for Lion Athletics.
• Impact – Scholarships provide direct support to student-athletes, and earning a college degree is a transformative accomplishment with a timeless impact. Additionally, investment in scholarships help better position our athletic teams for competitive excellence, in addition to supporting the university’s mission to transform lives. 
• Transparency – Donors know exactly where their money is going, how it is being used to support student-athletes and Lion Athletics, and see the tangible impacts of their gift.

 
Why has the focused changed to scholarships? 
Since transitioning to Division I, A&M-Commerce's athletic scholarship obligation (and expense) has nearly doubled. To compete at the highest level of college athletics and support the greatest number of student-athletes, A&M-Commerce must provide the maximum allowable scholarships permitted by the NCAA. Without annual support from our donors, scholarship opportunities may have to be reduced in order to maintain a balanced budget.
 
What counts as a Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund gift?
Gifts made to either the Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund or a sport-specific scholarship fund will count for the purposes of donor-related benefits. Gifts to sport-specific Excellence Funds or other areas of athletics do not qualify for Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund benefits. For a full list of benefits click HERE.
 
When do gifts count towards Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund benefits?
Gifts made to the Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund between April 1 and March 31 qualify for benefits during the ensuing and/or corresponding academic year. For a full list of benefits, please click HERE.
 
Can I still support individual teams?
Yes, you can still support your favorite team. You can give to either a sport-specific scholarship fund to help cover current scholarship needs, or you can support a sport-specific excellence fund to enhance the operational budgets of a team. Only gifts to the Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund or sport-specific scholarship funds qualify for donor benefits.
 
Why are benefits limited to donations that support Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund or sport-specific scholarship funds?
With a $4.5 million scholarship expense each year, scholarship support for our student-athletes is the number one fundraising priority for Lion Athletics. Investment in scholarships provides direct educational support to the greatest number of student-athletes, positions our teams for competitive excellence, and supports the university mission to transform lives.
 
What do I have to do if I currently make a recurring gift?
Nothing, your recurring gift will be automatically updated to reflect these changes. Previous recurring gifts to Lion Champions Fund-Unleashing Excellence and Lion Champions Fund-Scholarship will be automatically converted to Lion Athletics Scholarship Fund. Previous recurring gifts to sport-specific Lion Champions Fund accounts will be converted to the respective sport’s Excellence Fund. If you’d like to adjust where your recurring gift is directed, please call 903-886-5557.