MISSION STATEMENT
The Golden Grizzlies Champions Club is the official fundraising arm of Oakland University Athletics. The generosity of the Champions Club members supports the 320+ student-athletes that proudly represent Oakland in academic and athletic pursuits. An investment in the Champions Club provides the financial resources for scholarships, facility enhancements, and various programs to assist our student-athletes in their quest to become champions in the classroom, community, and in competition.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Join the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club!
With an annual contribution of just $1 or more, you become an official member of the Champions Club. You have the power to choose exactly where your support goes:
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The Champions Club Fund: This is an unrestricted gift that provides our department with the flexibility to meet the most urgent needs of our student-athletes—from scholarship costs to unexpected team expenses.
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Specific Sports Programs: Direct your gift to the team you’re most passionate about.
A donation made to the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club Fund is deemed an unrestricted gift that has no limitations on how it is used and what specific sport fund. All of the donations made to the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club Fund are used with the best interest of our student-athletes first and foremost. The goal of this particular unrestricted fund is to give Golden Grizzly student-athletes a first-class experience that is second to none. Decisions on where the donations to Golden Grizzlies Champions Club Fund is always made in the best interest of our student-athletes, the athletic department and Oakland University. Other uses of unrestricted funds include scholarship costs and other non-budgeted Athletics expenses throughout the year. A restricted gift is directed to a specific sport, capital project, or other endowment. Donations to the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club can be made by cash, checks, credit card, bank draft or payroll deduction (Oakland employees only). Please make your checks payable to Oakland University Athletics.
The Golden Grizzlies Champions Club accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
METHODS OF GIVING
Matching Gifts
Many companies and corporations provide matching gift programs for employee contributions. Please consult with your employer's benefits office, as matching gifts can be made to increase your gift and membership level to the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club.
Planned Gifts
Planned and deferred gifts allow for more flexibility and tax-saving options. Gifts can be made through insurance policies, annuities, wills and trusts. Please consults your tax advisor.
Gifts of Securities
Golden Grizzlies Champions Club members have the ability to make a charitable gift of stock, mutual funds and other securities. Please consult with your tax advisor for additional information.
Gift-in-Kind
In lieu of monetary donations, the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club can accept certain goods and services. These contributions allow Oakland University Athletics to offset expenses.
PLEASE NOTE: Gift-in-kinds are not accepted in lieu of cash for those wishing to receive access to hospitality suites during basketball season. All gifts must be approved by the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club before being accepted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How do I become a member of the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club?
A gift of any size is welcomed and enhances the Oakland student-athlete experience. Membership benefits start at the Black Level for $1.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, gifts to the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Fair market value is involved at the Gold and Champion Levels. Please consult with your tax advisor.
Do you offer payment plans?
You may establish an approved payment plan by working with a member of the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club staff. All pledges are due in full by Dec. 31.
What is the difference between a restricted gift and an unrestricted gift?
An unrestricted gift supports all 18 sports and helps offset scholarship costs and other non-budgeted Athletics expenses throughout the year. A restricted gift is directed to a capital project or endowment.
How can I access the hospitality suites during men’s and women’s basketball season?
Champions Club members with VIP seating and VIP hospitality qualify for access into both the Elliott Room and Corewell Courtside Club. These areas serve as the premium hospitality suites of the OU Credit Union O’rena during home men’s and women’s basketball games. Please note, gifts to access the hospitality suites must be designated towards the General Fund. Sports-Specific gifts do not qualify for hospitality access or basketball parking.
How can I access VIP Parking during men’s and women’s basketball season?
Champions Club members with VIP seating and VIP hospitality that are season ticket holders qualify for one (1) reserved parking pass into the VIP Parking Lot (P-17) during home men’s and women’s basketball games. Please note, gifts to access VIP Parking must be designated to the General Fund. Sports Specific gifts do not qualify for hospitality access or basketball parking.
