Our Crowdfunding Groups
What is the 5980 Academic Fund and why did it start?
In June 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in the NCAA v. Alston case, ruling that NCAA policies limiting education related compensation for student athletes were a violation of the Sherman Act. This decision paved the way for student athletes to receive financial awards for meeting academic performance goals in an amount equivalent to athletic achievement bonuses the NCAA allows its schools to provide (currently, $5,980 annually). NCAA Schools are not required to provide these funds to student athletes. However, The University of Arizona saw this as both a need and an opportunity to enhance student athlete welfare by awarding these funds to eligible student athletes. Beginning in Fall of 2022, University of Arizona student athletes became eligible for up to $5,980 in supplemental academic aid through the athletic department's newly established "5980 Academic Fund".
How does it impact Arizona Student Athletes?
This new academic benefit for our student athletes is the latest addition to our ongoing mission to develop academic, athletic and life champions. The establishment of our 5980 Academic Fund raises our standards by providing additional resources for Wildcat student athletes who meet academic performance metrics. It is also important to note the impact this program will have on recruitment and retention of student athletes. With the introduction of the transfer portal and the use of Alston Funds across the country, we anticipate student athletes will be lured away from Arizona with the inducement of additional scholarship and other funding. Unlike NIL, 5980 Academic Funds can be used as an inducement in the recruiting process. Investment in these funds will help to stabilize the uncertainty and support our continued success.
5980 Academic Fund Crowdfunding Campaign Goal
To kick off our fundraising effort for the 5980 Academic Fund, we have set a goal of raising $5,980 each week for the month of February. With a target of $23,920 for the month. This is the equivalency of fully funding one athlete over the course of four years. We encourage everyone to join in to support this initiative as we continue to enhance the student athlete experience at the University of Arizona!
Learn more about the Wildcat Club and other ways to get involved, here!
Get involved and support our Student-Athletes today!
If everyone in attendance for one men's basketball game gives $10, it would be the equivalent of giving all scholarship players for the Men's and Women's Basketball 5980 funding for one year.
Join the Arizona Athletics Wildcat Club and become a Red & Blue level member!
Contribute the equivalent of $1 for every Arizona student athlete.
Fund the equivalent to half a year of 5980 Academic Fund support for one student athlete.
Contribute the equivalent of fully funding 1 student athlete for the entire year!
