Last-second touchdowns and pennant-waving alumni are staples of the fall college scene. But while athletic programs consume enormous resources, they don't bring the rewards expected – more and better applicants and alumni donations, a report by Cornell economist Robert Frank for the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics suggests.
With FAMU’s “1887 Strikes” annual day of giving well underway, Dr. Frank’s findings are holding true. As of midnight, 669 FAMU alums and supporters had donated more than $142,500.00 to the campaign, yet only 81 donors – 12% -- had chosen to earmark their gifts to support FAMU's athletics/sports programs. As of this writing, athletics has raised a total of $5,837.85 or 23% of their modest $25,000 goal.
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“Resources play into every narrative – we do not have many problems that money would not solve,” FAMU head football coach Willie Simmons, told a Howard University researcher in 2021.
“The only thing that separates HBCU football programs and PWI programs is money,” Simmons said.
“One simple word. MONEY! The revenue generated from conference and television distributions as well as private giving creates a huge gap between Power 5 conference members and even many Group of 5 mid-major conference members,” he added.
“One simple word. MONEY! The revenue generated from conference and television distributions as well as private giving creates a huge gap between Power 5 conference members and even many Group of 5 mid-major conference members,” he added.
Because in Florida state funds can't be used to support athletics your private support is even more crucial. Here's your chance to help make a difference TODAY by helping FAMU athletics meet its $25,000 fundraising goal -- donate here.