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Athletics

Give to Support Athletics

Your gift provides unparalleled experiences and opportunities for our student-athletes propelling them to reach their goals in the classroom, in competition and in life.

Give to Support Athletics

The Ohio State University Department of Athletics is one of the most visible, respected and accomplished programs in the nation. It ranks among the largest by two important measures – number of student-athletes (over 1,000) and number of sports (36). Remaining in the forefront of scholarship, innovation and intercollegiate competition requires an incredible commitment from a generous group of supporters.

The Department of Athletics maintains totally self-supporting operations. All buildings and capital expenditures, including debt service, are funded by the department’s generated funds without subsidy from the university. No student fees, tax dollars or university funds are used to support the programs of the Department of Athletics. Without philanthropic support, the Department of Athletics would not be able to offer our young men and women an opportunity to earn a highly respected degree while competing at the highest level of intercollegiate sport.

Athletics Excellence Fund

Supports the greatest need of the Department of Athletics as determined by the Athletics Director or the highest ranking official in the Department of Athletics.

Champions Fund

Provides support for Ohio State Athletics supporting grant-in-aid for student-athletes participating in all 36 varsity sports.

The Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute Fund

Established May 31, 2019, with gifts from the Margaret and Robert Walter Foundation; used to provide leadership, character and career development for all Ohio State student-athletes in order to best prepare them for life after graduation.

Football Facility Fund

Provides support for the creation of, improvements, and/or maintenance of facilities for football.

Athletics District Building Fund

Funds shall be utilized at the discretion of the Director of Athletics for building projects specific to the Athletics District.

Women's Athletics Excellence Fund

Established November 18, 2021, with gifts from Rite Rug Holdings Inc.; used to support and enhance the experience and development of student-athletes participating in a women's varsity sport. Revised May 19, 2022