Athletic Development
Tradition
Wisconsin Athletics has been a leader in college sports for over 130 years. As a founding member of the Big Ten Conference, Wisconsin has helped to shape the history and competition that defines collegiate athletics.
The Badgers have built a legacy of excellence which has produced over 140 Olympians, 240 conference championships, and 50 national titles. Every win adds to a tradition built not only by student-athletes and coaches, but also the unwavering support of alumni, donors, season ticket holders, and Badger fans everywhere.
Our Mission
The Wisconsin Athletic Development Office, the fundraising arm for the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department, is committed to providing the resources needed for student–athletes to receive a lasting educational and athletic experience while contributing to the financial sustainability of the Athletic Department.
Our Need
The Wisconsin Athletic Development Office partners with donors to provide the essential financial resources for over 600 student-athletes to pursue a world-class education and a holistic collegiate experience. The collective fundraising efforts of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and Wisconsin Athletic Development Office result in nearly 27% of the total $200 million annual budget for the Athletic Department. Badgers everywhere develop lasting memories, a sense of belonging, and experiences as a result of your backing.
Sustained donor support is critical for the Badgers to remain competitive at the highest levels of the Big Ten and on the national stage, broadening the university’s reach and reinforcing its academic reputation. Donors can support Wisconsin Athletics in a number of ways through the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association
Endowed Scholarships
Badger Fund
The Badger Fund is our most valuable need in an ever-changing college athletics landscape so that Wisconsin Athletics can provide broad based support for all of our 23 varsity sports. Contributions to the Badger Fund are unrestricted and are used for general operating support for the Athletic Department. Support includes, but is not limited to scholarships, facility improvements, travel, awards, and recruiting expenses. Gifts to the fund are 100% tax-deductible.
Learn MoreBuilding Champions Campaign
The Building Champions Campaign is the largest fundraising campaign in Wisconsin Athletic history. Badger student-athletes from all 23 sports will reap the benefits of this state-of-the-art indoor practice facility for decades to come!
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Sports Specific Funds
You can support your favorite team(s) with a donation to their sport specific fund. Wisconsin Athletics has 23 varsity sports that you can make a contribution to support their annual operating budget.
Learn MoreForever Badgers Endowed Scholarships
Wisconsin Athletics has a robust student-athlete scholarship endowment program that connects donors with scholarship recipients each year. Thanks to your generosity, nearly one-third of our $15M annual scholarship expenditure is supported by endowed scholarships. With your help, we can continue to grow our scholarship endowment.
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Our Impact
$977 MILLION
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ON THE CITY OF MADISON &
THE STATE OF WISCONSIN
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Students
Living
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