For Kansas.
For the Future.

STRATEGIC PLAN

KU's new development framework will transform athletics giving and provide opportunities to show support at all levels.

The University of Kansas has a well-established tradition of excellence that includes the tremendous legacy surrounding our athletics program. Our alumni and fans are incredibly proud Jayhawks, and the success of Kansas Athletics profoundly impacts the entire university, local community, region and state.

Recognizing the key role that donor support will play in our future success, we are pleased to unveil a newly structured framework for our fundraising efforts—Kansas Athletics Development. The Williams Education Fund will remain in place under the umbrella of Kansas Athletics Development, and we will simultaneously place an increased emphasis on philanthropic support. We are also pleased to announce the Ad Astra Society, a new exclusive philanthropic giving society that will provide the critical resources our student-athletes need to achieve success at the highest levels, both in the classroom and in competition.

This is a pivotal moment in our history. Achieving new heights for our programs and student-athletes, and maintaining our competitive excellence, will require investment by all Jayhawks.

GIVE NOW

KANSAS ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT

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Ad Astra Society

Philanthropic Giving

  • Minimum $50,000 commitment payable over up to 5 years
  • Tax-deductible contributions; no priority points or seating benefits
  • Eligible for exclusive stewardship experiences commensurate with giving
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Williams Education Fund

Priority Points Giving

  • Existing point system remains unchanged
  • Continues to provide critical unrestricted and scholarship support

Investment Priorities

  • Unrestricted support to respond to pressing opportunities and needs
  • Direct student-athlete support (scholarships and awards)
  • Facilities enhancements
  • Program specific support

Kansas Athletics continues to focus first and foremost on providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes. The new Kansas Athletics Development framework will engage, motivate, and empower the entire Jayhawk Nation to ensure our student-athletes, programs and University achieve competitive excellence for years to come!

Rock Chalk!

Frequently Asked Questions

Private donor support enables Kansas Athletics to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes, ensuring their success in the classroom and in competition. Moreover, the success of Kansas Athletics profoundly impacts the University of Kansas, serving as the “front porch” of our university, by enhancing the student experience and eliciting pride in fans and alumni. Thus, providing support to Kansas Athletics ultimately benefits KU.

  • Kansas Athletics Development is the fundraising team for Kansas Athletics.
  • The Williams Education Fund priority point system continues to operate under the umbrella of Kansas Athletics Development.
  • The Ad Astra Society is a giving society within Kansas Athletics Development, separate from the Williams Education Fund, that recognizes philanthropic commitments of at least $50,000 spread over a maximum of five years.

The priority point system within the Williams Education Fund remains unchanged. Gifts recognized within the Ad Astra Society are separate from priority point contributions to the Williams Education Fund. Your current point total is unaffected by the new development framework.

All contributions to Kansas Athletics, whether contributions for priority points through the Williams Education Fund or philanthropic gifts, are dedicated to the purpose designated by the donor. KU Endowment will continue to issue gift receipts.

  • You can continue to support Kansas Athletics in a variety of ways, including cash, online, securities, and through your estate.
  • In addition to these methods, philanthropic gifts to Kansas Athletics (gifts for which no priority points are received) may be made through a donor-advised fund or retirement assets.

No, the Williams Education Fund priority point system remains in place and is unchanged. Gifts and commitments recognized in the Ad Astra Society will not enhance or negatively impact your Williams Education Fund status.

Yes, you can designate whether your gift is unrestricted or dedicated to a particular initiative.

Philanthropic gifts to Kansas Athletics are charitable in nature and tax-deductible. Donors who make gifts that qualify for the Ad Astra Society will be stewarded with exclusive experiences and opportunities such as unique donor recognition, VIP event invitations, away-game travel, behind-the-scenes facilities tours, sideline passes, special gear and more.

Ad Astra Society recognition and stewardship experiences will be commensurate with level of giving.

Ad Astra Society contributions will be recognized consistent with our fiscal year, July 1 through June 30. The fund drive year for Williams Education Fund will remain March 1 through February 28.

Donors are recognized in the Ad Astra Society during the fiscal year(s) in which they make qualifying gifts or are fulfilling a multi-year pledge.

All philanthropic gifts and commitments made since July 1, 2022, qualify toward Ad Astra Society recognition during the current fiscal year.

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