As part of Butler University's recently-announced Boldly Butler Campaign and Strategy, Butler Athletics has the goal to reach 100 endowments benefiting Athletics by 2030. Butler Athletics currently has 70+ endowments benefiting scholarships, sport programs, athletic facilities, and Student-Athlete support programs.
 
As intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve, building a robust endowment and sustained support for the future are more important than ever. 
 
"In the same way that Butler's impact on a graduate lasts much longer than just four years, a healthy endowment will sustain and enhance Butler Athletics for generations to come, supporting growth in our ability to graduate student-athletes who have contributed to winning championships and our championship culture during their time on campus," said Grant Leiendecker '11, Butler Vice President & Director of Athletics.
 
The Butler Athletics Endowment Program will consist of two types of endowment: endowed funds and endowed scholarships.  Both endowment types will have a lasting impact on Butler Athletics and Butler student-athletes.
 
Beginning at a commitment of $100,000 or more, the monies generated in perpetuity from the invested principle for an endowed fund can benefit a particular sport program (i.e. Men's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Football, etc.) or a support program within Athletics (i.e. Student-Athlete Academic Support, Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning, etc.). 
 
Also beginning at a commitment of $100,000 or more, the monies generated in perpetuity from the invested principle for an endowed scholarship will help offset scholarship costs (i.e. room, board, books, & tuition) and can be designated with donor preferences (i.e. benefiting a particular sport, academic major, first generation student, etc.). 
 
All endowment levels will come with various naming opportunities as well as periodic updates on the impact of their financial commitment. 
 
"We are excited to formalize and introduce our Butler Athletics Endowment Program," said Drew Autajay '99, Director of Athletic Development. "We have had countless donors support the Bulldogs over the last few decades with endowed gifts.  We look forward to honoring those that have been so generous over the years as well as generating new revenue streams to fund our teams, support programs, and scholarship costs." 
 
The Bulldog Club will kick off 2026 with a recognition of all athletics endowment donors at the Men's Basketball game versus Georgetown Saturday, Jan. 31.
 
To learn more about the Butler Athletics Endowment program and how you can make a lasting impact on Butler Athletics, please visit https://bulldogclub.butler.edu/maximize-your-investment/.