University of Colorado Athletics
Buff Club Announces Record-Breaking Fundraising Year In 2025-26
August 14, 2026 | General, Buff Club
Boulder, Colo – The Colorado Athletics' Buff Club had a historic 2025-26 fundraising year, generating a record $37.7 million in gifts and commitments, which surpassed the previous high of $35.4 million established in 2024-25 and set a record for the strongest fundraising year in Colorado Athletics history.
The milestone reflects the continued momentum of Colorado Athletics and the commitment of Buff Nation's donors, alumni, fans, parents, and supporters who continue to invest in the success of Colorado student-athletes during a transformational era of college athletics.
"This record-setting year is a reflection of the belief our donors, alumni, fans, and supporters have in the future of Colorado Athletics," said Fernando Lovo, Director of Athletics. "We are incredibly grateful for the generosity that continues to elevate the student-athlete experience and position Colorado for sustained success. The transformational commitments from families such as Jeff and Orsi Crawford and Derrick and Hannah White demonstrate what is possible when people invest in our mission. At the same time, our future depends on continuing to expand our philanthropic community. Every gift matters, and we have a tremendous opportunity to engage more members of Buff Nation in helping shape the future of Colorado Athletics."
The year was highlighted by several significant philanthropic achievements, including the largest individual gift commitment in Colorado Athletics history from Jeff and Orsi Crawford, whose transformational commitment of $6 million will support the university's dedication to student-athlete success and long-term excellence. The year also saw former Buffalo great and NBA Champion Derrick White and his wife Hannah make a landmark $2 million commitment to Colorado Men's Basketball while further strengthening White's connection to the program through his appointment as the program's first President of Basketball Strategy. Together, these investments exemplify the growing culture of philanthropy and engagement across Buff Nation.
The year's fundraising success was driven not only by larger gifts, however, but also by increasing donor engagement and confidence in the future direction of the department.
Fueled by the generosity of Buff Club members and supporters, 2025-26 produced several record-setting benchmarks:
"Our shared fundraising success reflects the extraordinary generosity of our Buff Club members and donors, and we are deeply grateful for every individual and family who chose to invest in Colorado Athletics this year," said Derek Steinbach, Deputy Athletic Director for Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives. "The momentum we are experiencing is a direct result of supporters who believe in our student-athletes and our vision for the future. Our greatest opportunity is to now grow participation across Buff Nation. Whether someone makes their first gift, renews an annual commitment, or makes a transformational investment, every donor strengthens our ability to provide a championship-caliber experience for our student-athletes. We are incredibly thankful for the support that brought us to this moment and excited about the opportunity that lies ahead."
With record fundraising results, growing donor engagement, and continued investments in student-athlete success, the Buff Club remains committed to building a sustainable future for Colorado Athletics and ensuring Buff student-athletes have the resources needed to compete, graduate, and thrive.
For more information about supporting Colorado Athletics through the Buff Club, visit CUBuffClub.com.
The milestone reflects the continued momentum of Colorado Athletics and the commitment of Buff Nation's donors, alumni, fans, parents, and supporters who continue to invest in the success of Colorado student-athletes during a transformational era of college athletics.
"This record-setting year is a reflection of the belief our donors, alumni, fans, and supporters have in the future of Colorado Athletics," said Fernando Lovo, Director of Athletics. "We are incredibly grateful for the generosity that continues to elevate the student-athlete experience and position Colorado for sustained success. The transformational commitments from families such as Jeff and Orsi Crawford and Derrick and Hannah White demonstrate what is possible when people invest in our mission. At the same time, our future depends on continuing to expand our philanthropic community. Every gift matters, and we have a tremendous opportunity to engage more members of Buff Nation in helping shape the future of Colorado Athletics."
The year was highlighted by several significant philanthropic achievements, including the largest individual gift commitment in Colorado Athletics history from Jeff and Orsi Crawford, whose transformational commitment of $6 million will support the university's dedication to student-athlete success and long-term excellence. The year also saw former Buffalo great and NBA Champion Derrick White and his wife Hannah make a landmark $2 million commitment to Colorado Men's Basketball while further strengthening White's connection to the program through his appointment as the program's first President of Basketball Strategy. Together, these investments exemplify the growing culture of philanthropy and engagement across Buff Nation.
The year's fundraising success was driven not only by larger gifts, however, but also by increasing donor engagement and confidence in the future direction of the department.
Fueled by the generosity of Buff Club members and supporters, 2025-26 produced several record-setting benchmarks:
- A record $37.7 million raised, surpassing the previous record of $35.4 million established in 2024-25.
- An increase in the average gift amount from approximately $1,900 in 2024-25 to more than $2,800 in 2025-26, representing a 48% year-over-year increase.
- Cash donations totaling $28.8 million, a 12% increase over last year, while the average cash donation increased 42% to $1,766.
- Philanthropic cash donations totaling $16.5 million, a 44% increase over 2024-25, with the average philanthropic cash donation growing 61% to more than $4,000.
- Pledges totaling $17.5 million, a 25% increase over a year ago.
- Philanthropic pledges totaling $15.6 million, a 19% increase over last year, with the average philanthropic pledge increasing 12% to nearly $130,000.
"Our shared fundraising success reflects the extraordinary generosity of our Buff Club members and donors, and we are deeply grateful for every individual and family who chose to invest in Colorado Athletics this year," said Derek Steinbach, Deputy Athletic Director for Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives. "The momentum we are experiencing is a direct result of supporters who believe in our student-athletes and our vision for the future. Our greatest opportunity is to now grow participation across Buff Nation. Whether someone makes their first gift, renews an annual commitment, or makes a transformational investment, every donor strengthens our ability to provide a championship-caliber experience for our student-athletes. We are incredibly thankful for the support that brought us to this moment and excited about the opportunity that lies ahead."
With record fundraising results, growing donor engagement, and continued investments in student-athlete success, the Buff Club remains committed to building a sustainable future for Colorado Athletics and ensuring Buff student-athletes have the resources needed to compete, graduate, and thrive.
For more information about supporting Colorado Athletics through the Buff Club, visit CUBuffClub.com.
Thursday, August 13
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