NORMAL – The Weisbecker Athletic Fund (WAF) achieved success in its 2024 fundraising efforts, marking a year of growth and impact for Illinois State student-athletes. Through the generosity of donors, the WAF raised a total of $1,044,633 with notable increases in key areas of support.
Scholarship Support
•   Redbird Athletic Scholarship Fund (RASF): $304,304, a 30 percent increase from 2023, directly benefiting student-athlete scholarships.
•   Redbird Priority Seating Funds: $673,336, contributions tied to season tickets that directly benefit student-athlete scholarships.Â
Membership Growth
•   187 donors increased their contributions from 2023 to 2024.
•   135 new donors joined the cause, further expanding the community of support.
•   92 donors became members of the 110% Club.
•   65 donors joined the Level Up Club.
•   $255,727 new dollars were secured in 2024.
On top of the increase in scholarship support, individual sport specific funds saw increases totaling $490,607, surpassing the $485,103 total from 2023.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of our donors throughout 2024," Illinois State Interim Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs said. "We saw increases in key areas of the Weisbecker Athletic Fund, which allows us to elevate the student-athlete experience here at Illinois State. I'm excited to build upon these successes in 2025 and strengthen the foundation that supports our Redbird student-athletes."
Battle Bird Society
Redbird Athletics launched the Battle Bird Society in September of 2024, an exclusive giving program aimed at providing impactful resources for the entire athletics department. A total of 15 members joined the society in just four months. For more information on the Battle Bird Society, visit www.weisbeckerathleticfund.com/battle-bird-society.
Major Gift Success
Illinois State Athletics received 25 different major gifts (gifts or pledges over $25,000) throughout 2024. These transformative contributions go towards special initiatives geared towards capital projects and other important enhancements to Redbird Athletics.
These contributions and increases in donor engagement have a profound impact on the student-athlete experience at Illinois State, ensuring that the Redbird community continues to thrive both on and off the field. The WAF's continued growth is a testament to the dedication and generosity of its supporters. If you are interested in supporting Illinois State Athletics, please visit our website or contact the Weisbecker Athletic Fund at (309) 438-1506 or ISU_WAF@ilstu.edu.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Â Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
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