Why does Texas Athletics need private support?
Texas Athletics is entirely self-supporting, meaning that all private donations directly benefit the needs of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. There is no state funding allocated to the Athletics Department. By donating to the Longhorn Foundation, loyal alumni, fans, and friends can provide financial support to Texas Athletics with the option of receiving tax benefits. Contributions to the Longhorn Foundation benefit student-athletes in every sports program by providing scholarships, maintaining and constructing facilities, and funding programs that enhance academic, athletic, and life skills. Private donations allow Texas Athletics to improve its standing in both athletics and academics and are vital to the success of our programs.
How much do I have to donate to become a member of the Longhorn Foundation?
Just $50 annually for our lowest level of membership, the Longhorn Level, which grants you access to special Texas Athletic events, a membership kit, a weekly newsletter on all things Texas Athletics, and more! The more you donate, the higher the level of your membership, and the more benefits you receive. Check out all the membership levels and benefits here!
What are loyalty points and what do they do?
The loyalty points system rewards lifetime loyalty for all season ticket holders and Longhorn Foundation members. Loyalty points determine priority for season ticket seat selection and upgrades for all sports. Longhorn Foundation members and season ticket holders earn loyalty points based on past donation and purchase history.
Loyalty Points are awarded as follows:
- +5 points per every $100 gift to Longhorn Excellence
- +2 points per every $100 for annual seat-related gifts
- +3 points per every $100 in gifts received between 1986 and 2014
- +1 point per season ticket account for all ticketed sports since 1987
What is an annual fund gift and how is it used?
Your total annual fund gift consists of two gift designations that determine your membership level and benefits. These are your seat-related gifts (season tickets) and gifts supporting Longhorn Excellence (non-seat related gifts). Texas Athletics uses donations to the annual fund to fund many essential athletic resources such as education, nutrition, recruiting, travel, sports medicine, facilities improvement and student-athlete development. For more information on the annual fund gift, visit here.
What is the difference between a seat-related gift and a Longhorn Excellence gift?
While both donations go towards the annual fund, seat-related gifts are specifically associated with certain season ticket seating locations in sports venues and are NOT tax-deductible. Longhorn Excellence gifts are non-seat related philanthropic gifts and ARE 100% tax-deductible. Additionally, seat-related gifts earn two loyalty points per $100 donated, while Longhorn Excellence gifts earn five loyalty points per $100 donated.
What is DDLT and what makes it different from the other membership levels?
The DeLoss Dodds Leadership Team (DDLT) is the premier annual membership of Texas Athletics, comprised of the most passionate and generous Longhorn fans around. To be a member of DDLT, you must donate $25,000 or more annually. DDLT members receive exclusive benefits such as engagement opportunities with our student-athletes, special events, team travel opportunities, and much more! For more information on DDLT, visit here.
Can a current student join the Longhorn Foundation?
Yes! When a student signs up for the Big Ticket, they have the option to make a $100 donation to the Longhorn Foundation which includes rewards such as early access to claim student tickets for home football games, priority seating for the Red River Rivalry, loyalty points and more! For more information on student membership, visit here.
