Donor Support Areas - Murray State University Athletics

Scholarships
Student-athlete scholarships remain one of the largest annual expenses for MSU Athletics. Each year the athletic department spends $5.5 million to provide educational opportunities and assistance to our 3200+ student-athletes. Scholarships cover a wide variety of areas, such as tuition, housing, books, food, etc.

Unrestricted Giving
Unrestricted gifts allow the athletics department to use the funds where they are most needed; donations often go to the areas of nutrition, equipment, travel, student-athlete development, sports medicine, and other operational expenses that enhance the overall student-athlete experience.

Facilities
First-class practice, competition, academic, and nutrition facilities are crucial to the overall performance of our student-athletes and play a significant role in recruiting the next generation of Racers. These are facilities where student-athletes spend the majority of their time outside of the classroom and often become a home away from home as they train, practice, compete, recover and refuel. Facility enhancements also benefit Racer fans’ game day experience. While understanding the significance of these spaces, Murray State Athletics is continually identifying areas for improvements and opportunities to construct new areas for our student-athletes and fans. In order to be fiscally responsible, a majority of these enhancements must be funded through private contributions.

Restricted Funds
Donors have the opportunity to directly impact a sport or administrative area of their choosing through our restricted funds. Restricted funds assist our programs with additional resources outside of the team’s annual operating budget. Funds often assist in the areas of recruiting, team travel, specialized equipment, team-building opportunities, nutrition, and cutting-edge technology that facilitates excellence at the highest levels.

Gift-In-Kind
Individuals and businesses may contribute goods and services, which will be honored in the priority point system and Racer Club benefits program. Examples of these types of gifts include food and beverages, lodging, transportation, advertising, athletic equipment, and courtesy cars.

Endowments
To make a gift that will benefit the University in perpetuity, ensuring the stability and quality of our University for generations to come, you can establish an endowment fund. Endowments are held and managed by the Murray State University Foundation, Inc., and require a minimum gift of $25,000, payable over five years. Establishing a fund for excellence can be designated to support student-athlete scholarships, sports programs, and facilities throughout Racer Athletics.

We deeply value your interest in considering this investment with the University. We are committed to working with you to ensure that your endowed fund generates your intended philanthropic impact for Murray State University and our students.

Planned Giving
Gift planning offers many benefits to you and your family while also ensuring the continued success of Murray State University. The Murray State University Foundation, Inc. can assist you with establishing gifts through life insurance policies, charitable trusts, annuities, and bequests. We have many resources to help you as you consider your estate planning and charitable giving opportunities.