Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Cougar Club?
A: The Cougar Club is the annual giving program for CSU Athletics and is critical to the success of our student athletes. The Athletic Department receives no state funding for athletic programs. The Cougar Club is responsible for raising the funds to pay for Athletic Department expenses including student-athlete scholarships, coaches’ salaries, and recruiting expenses, as well as funding the facilities and programs associated with each of CSU’s athletic teams.
Q: Why is the Cougar Club necessary?
A: Columbus State University is committed to offering the best facilities, coaches, and scholarship opportunities to recruit the champions and leaders that bring distinction to our campus and community. Your gift through the Cougar Club allows our coaches and student athletes to continue a tradition of excellence by supporting:
- Athletic Scholarships
- Travel for Conferences and Tournaments
- Facility Enhancement
- Cougar Athletics Priorities
The generous support of Cougar Club members makes it possible for CSU student-athletes to reach their athletic and academic goals and to compete at the highest levels possible.
Q: What do you do with donations?
A: Athletic donors may specify which teams or athletic priorities benefit from their contributions. Donations to the general Cougar Club Fund cover the operating expenses of all CSU teams including: student-athlete scholarships, team travel, recruiting, equipment and facilities, and other expenses.
Q: How much do I have to donate to the Cougar Club?
A: Cougar Club annual membership levels begin at $50 annually; however, donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated. In gratitude to our donors, Cougar Club members enjoy unique benefits, which vary by contribution level. There are many ways to help the Cougar Club. Whether your donation is large or small, your assistance makes a difference in our ability to achieve success in competitions, and makes it possible for CSU student-athletes to pursue their academic and athletic goals.
Q: Why should I give to CSU Athletics?
A: CSU is fortunate to have involved community stakeholders like you who understand that Athletics is not just important to CSU, it’s important to the community. CSU supporters also understand that helping student-athletes have a quality undergraduate experience is a worthwhile investment. Your support and attendance at Athletics events creates an electrifying environment suitable for champions. Your support while cheering on student-athletes at sporting events is a motivating factor that is immeasurable.
Q: How can I make a donation?
A: There are many ways to make a donation to CSU Athletics. Payments can be made via cash, check, or credit card. In some situations, we are also able to accept in-kind gifts (such as goods or services the athletic department uses and would pay for if they were not donated). Donors can also contribute by donating appreciated securities and stock gifts. If you need help with stock transfers, estate planning, or planned gifting to CSU, we have trained professionals who can help with the process.
Q: What if I want my donation to go to a specific sport or project?
A: As a donor to CSU Athletics, you can specify which priority or team you want your contribution to benefit.
Q: I don’t attend the games – Why should I donate to CSU Athletics?
A: The purpose of CSU Athletics is to support our coaches and student-athletes and to enable them to share the mission of Columbus State University through athletic excellence. Whether you are able to attend the games or not, we need your help. When you make a donation to the Cougar Club, you help our student-athletes achieve excellence and assist them to serve as role models and ambassadors for CSU.
Q: What do I get when I give to the Cougar Club?
A: First, and foremost, when you give to the Cougar Club, you receive the satisfaction of knowing your donation is helping our student-athletes achieve their academic and athletic dreams. In addition, Cougar Club members can enjoy specific athletic benefits depending on their contribution level, including priority ticketing, special luncheons and conference calls with CSU coaches and players, parking passes for athletic events, e-mail updates, and invitations to attend other exclusive Athletic Department events.
