FAQ

Our Mission

The Aggie Football Fund provides essential gap funding for the UC Davis Football Program, empowering the team to:

  • Access vital resources for player development and program success.

  • Ensure Aggie Football remains competitive both on and off the field.

  • Reconnect and engage former football alumni to maintain the legacy of Aggie Pride in perpetuity.

Through direct and flexible support, the AFF bridges funding gaps while fostering a thriving alumni community.

1. What is the Aggie Football Fund?

The Aggie Football Fund (AFF) is a non-profit, collective organization. It was developed by former Aggies to assist the football team and Athletic Department, while also reconnecting former Aggie football alumni to ensure Aggie Pride is maintained in perpetuity. 

The term Fund is intended to be broadly used and include donations that could also be provided to athletes through a Name Image Likeness (NIL) program. Funding for NIL purposes are often referred to as Collectives. 

2. Why is This Collective Fund Needed?

With the changes to college athletics following the NIL agreement in 2021 (more below), UC Davis Football has lagged behind the competition. Every other Big Sky football team has a Collective.

Due to the transfer portal, UC Davis football players, are persuaded to leave from other schools.

3. How is This Fund Different Than Funding Run Through UC Davis?

While other Collectives currently exist to support student athletes at UC Davis, AFF is the first Fund to focus solely on student-athletes in the UC Davis Football program. In addition, the university separately administers a fund for Intercollegiate Athletics at UC Davis, however, those funds may not currently be paid directly to student-athletes.

The AFF was developed by former football alumni, and is intended to go above and beyond what the University currently provides. Many “special” projects are not a good fit for the University Fund or Collective, and the AFF believes it can provide a valuable path for them.

The AFF is a separate organization and is not controlled by or affiliated with UC Davis or the Athletics Department.

4. Where Does My Money Go When I Contribute?

Funding categories are developed so that donors can contribute with specific intention. The board members will distribute funds based on need. The top need is player retention via NIL agreements.

5. What is NIL?

NIL stands for Name-Image-Likeness. Specifically referring to the use of an athlete’s NIL through marketing and promotional endeavors. Student-athletes at NCAA institutions could begin monetizing their NIL beginning on July 1, 2021.

6. What Are the Goals of the Aggie Football Fund?

We want to enhance the experience of the football players to retain them their entire college careers. Our current primary goal is to level the playing field with the rest of the top FCS programs by increasing funding for football players at UC Davis.

7. Is My Contribution Tax Deductible?

Yes! The AFF is a non-profit with 501(c)3 status.

8. Who Works for the Aggie Football Fund?

This collective operates on a volunteer basis with five Board of Directors. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out via email: AggieFootballFund@gmail.com

9. Want to connect with others who support UC Davis Football?

Reach out via email: AggieFootballFund@gmail.com or give our friends over at the “Aggie Pride Podcast” a listen!