Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Penn State Rugby Foundation. Scroll for frequently asked questions about the Foundation. If you have any additional questions or would like to get involved with our work, please get in touch with our team.
What’s the difference between the Foundation and the Booster Club?
The Booster Club and the Foundation are sister organizations that work together to support the rugby programs at Penn State and keep the community connected.
The Booster Club raises money to support the immediate needs of the current teams. Their goal each year is to raise around $150k, and all of that money helps cover equipment, administrative and medical support, recruiting efforts, uniforms, and travel costs.
The Foundation was formed to provide long-term financial support for the rugby programs by establishing an endowment intended to help fund coaching staff and scholarships, among other critical needs. It aims to ensure that the Men and Women’s Teams will remain competitive as the national landscape of college rugby advances. The short-term goal is to raise $2M and use the endowment’s principal income to provide additional financial support for the program (over $1M has been pledged already). The Foundation’s long-term goal is to achieve varsity status for the Men and Women’s programs.
Should I give to the Foundation or the Booster Club?
If you want to support the most urgent needs of this year’s team and players, please give to the Booster Club. Your money will be put to use immediately.
If you want to help build a long-term future for Rugby at Penn State, please make a pledge to the Foundation.
What is the First XV Campaign?
The Foundation has already raised $1M through the First XV campaign, thanks to 16 Penn State Rugby supporters who have each pledged a minimum of $50k to support the program’s long-term strategic growth.
What is the Era Captain Campaign? How do I donate to my era?
The Foundation has already raised $1M through the 1st XV campaign, but the true goal is to raise $2M. We are now challenging different eras of the Penn State Men’s and Women’s programs to join forces to pledge $100k or more to raise the second million. We have four different levels of giving opportunities:
What is the minimum pledge amount for the Foundation?
The Foundation encourages a minimum commitment of $5,000 over 5 years ($1,000/year or $85/month). If you cannot make that commitment, we encourage you to give to the Booster Club. Any donation will have a true impact on the program and is sincerely appreciated.
How will my donation to the Foundation be used?
Your donation will be professionally managed by Penn State Alums at UBS, the global financial services firm. Your money will go into an endowment and the investment returns will be used to enhance the competitiveness of the Penn State rugby program.
The initial focus for the Foundation will be to supplement the coaches’ salaries. Current Penn State coaching salaries are well below market rates (hence the significant turnover before Pip). The second focus will be on providing financial aid to help offset tuition costs for rugby players who want to play at Penn State.
The Foundation Board of Directors is responsible for managing the donation and the associated net earnings. Every member of the Foundation’s Board is a First XV Member (which means they have each pledged a minimum of $50k) and are committed to ensuring that the funds are put to the best possible use.
How do I transfer funds?
Transferring funds to UBS can be done quickly and securely. Click the link below for detailed instructions.
I have given before and never received a thank you or was told where my money went. How is the Foundation different?
Your desire to support Penn State Rugby is sincerely appreciated! The Penn State Rugby Foundation is a professional organization specifically launched to help navigate these types of frustrations. In the Fall of 2018, we approached 20 “Founders,” who each committed $10k towards the operations of this new organization. That money will allow us to ensure more effective communication and engagement with our donors and supporters.
Every member of the Foundation’s Board is a First XV Member (which means they have each pledged a minimum of $50k) and are committed to ensuring that the funds are put to the best possible use.