CORPORATE MARKETING and SPONSORSHIP Opportunities
Single-Game and Season Ticket Information
Swamp Fox Club Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide full scholarship funding as established under NCAA guidelines for Francis Marion University's intercollegiate athletic teams: one competing as an NCAA Division I independent and 13 competing in the Peach Belt Conference at the NCAA Division II level.
The Swamp Fox Club offers memberships to both individuals and businesses. Contributions go directly to the Francis Marion University Foundation Athletic Scholarship Fund. All money raised benefits every sport at FMU - 14 in all - seven for women and seven for men. Your support not only provides educational and athletic opportunities to worthy young people, but provides you valuable benefits as well. You also have the option of designating your entire gift to a specific sport if so desired.
General Information
The Swamp Fox Club, formerly the Patriots Brigade, is the official booster club that generates support for the Francis Marion University Athletic Department. Renaming this organization honors the Swamp Fox himself - General Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War hero who outfoxed the British to help America win its independence and for whom the University is named.
On an annual basis, more than 175 student-athletes receive some scholarship assistance from the Swamp Fox Club. The athletic booster club has developed into a vitally important support group for the Athletic Department, pursuing the excellence, integrity and pride in the University's athletic program.
Vision for the Future
The Swamp Fox Club plays a vital role in Patriot Athletics' continued success. As educational expenses continue to rise, it will become increasingly more difficult to achieve academic and athletic excellence. These dramatic increases make reliance on private support a must in providing financial assistance for our student-athletes.
Planned Gifts
You can make a substantial contribution to the Patriot Athletic Scholarship Fund through gifts in trust, charitable annuities, endowed scholarships, life insurance policies, and bequests. Many of these options provide significant tax savings, as well as rates of return significantly higher than traditional investments. For more information on planned giving to Francis Marion University Athletics, please contact our office at (843) 661-1240.
Methods of Contribution
Each year alumni and friends of Francis Marion University make a variety of gifts in support of athletic and academic excellence. Each contributor can elect to make a gift in a way that best suits his or her personal preference. Gifts made to the Swamp Fox Club are tax deductible.
Cash and Other Gifts
Cash is the most common form of giving. Contributions provide the yearly financial resources necessary to operate our athletic program. Some contributors may elect to give stock, securities, real estate or life insurance policies.
Matching Gifts
This method goes hand-in-hand with cash gifts. If your company is a participant in a matching gift program, you receive credit in the Swamp Fox Club for the total contribution - a great way to double or triple the impact of your gift and increase your membership level and its privileges! See your personnel officer for complete information on matching gifts.
Planned and Estate Gifts
Contributors can make life income arrangements and donate monies using trusts, gift annuities, pooled income funds, etc. Individuals can choose to make provisions in their estates for the support of our athletic program, using a variety of gift vehicles. These gifts can provide present and future support for Francis Marion University athletics and can offer you valuable tax advantages and income benefits.
Tax Implications
All contributions to the Swamp Fox Club for the Athletic Scholarship Fund are deductible for tax purposes. These gifts are credited for full value for purposes of gift record at the university. However, in order to comply with IRS laws concerning charitable contributions, the value of any benefits received must be subtracted from the amount of the gift. If you wish to claim a deduction for your entire gift amount, you may elect not to accept the benefits your gift entitles you to receive. If this is your wish, please indicate on the membership form. If no deduction is given, benefits will not be provided and the full donation will be considered to deductible. The Athletic Department has estimated the fair market value of the benefits described in this brochure, and that information is available upon request.
Corporate Sponsorship
The Francis Marion University Athletic Department offers a variety of corporate sponsorship opportunities, which provide first-rate and high profile advertising. Your business can gain wide recognition and broad distribution through signage and printed materials. For more information on how you can reach the clients of tomorrow today, click on the below links and contact the Francis Marion Athletic Department (843-661-1240) to customize a package that will fit your business needs and goals. MORE INFORMATION
Athletics Booster Guide (FMU and the NCAA)
Read the linked guidelines letter
