MOSCOW, Idaho – The Vandal Scholarship Fund (VSF), in conjunction with Idaho Athletics, is excited to announce the new Vandal Athletics Development plan.
 
The new plan, which has included input from Director of Athletics Terry Gawlik, Vice President for Advancement Mary Kay McFadden, Athletics Development Team, Athletics Senior Leadership Team and the National Vandal Scholarship Fund National Board, streamlines the giving process while highlighting the financial priorities of the department as a whole.
 
"One thing that has become very clear during this challenging time is that Vandals are always willing to support other Vandals," said Gawlik.  "The new plan allows our generous supporters to get involved however they see fit.  Whether it be through the general Vandal Scholarship Fund or sport-specific funds, or even the Athletic Director's Excellence Fund for department priorities, we hope our passionate base can find a way to help support the Vandals in whichever venture you would like."
 
For the first time, donations to the general VSF will be combined with any program-specific giving to determine the giving level of an individual. Donors and prospective donors to Athletics will also be able to fulfill their commitment in a one-stop shop approach rather than being solicited multiple times from various programs within the department. Giving only to the VSF will continue for priority seating and parking associated with football, basketball and volleyball to meet Athletic Department need and to comply with state and federal tax laws.
 
"The goal remains the same and that is to provide tools and resources to University of Idaho student-athletes. And, while the VSF remains our top priority as athletic scholarships is one of our department's largest annual expenditures, we do wish to match donors' passion and capacity and align them with diverse opportunities," said Associate Athletic Director Mahmood Sheikh. 
 
The Athletic Development Team will continue to raise funds for VSF. In addition, the team has divided the sports among its staff to simplify the process and to help coaches optimize giving to their programs.  Director Sheikh will be the development liaison to football, men's basketball and tennis programs.  Associate Director Shelly Robson will work with women's basketball, as well as both golf programs and all six programs associated with track and field/cross country.  Associate Director Desmond Banks will assist the soccer, swimming and diving and the Iverson Strength and Conditioning Center efforts.  Eric Anderson will coordinate with volleyball.
 
Entry-level giving, starting at $100, includes department communications and invitation to exclusive events.  Further giving includes enhanced gameday experiences to quarterly video conferencing strategic sessions with the Athletic Director. "The goal is for donor benefits to be equitable and consistent based on all giving to athletics for a fiscal year (July 1-June 30)," added Gawlik.
 
Systems getting ready to be placed for the start of the fiscal year will provide a webpage and giving form with all available options. Endowments, capital projects and planned gifts will continue to be a focus of the Athletic Development Team.