MANHATTAN, Kan. (K-State Athletics) – Thanks to the generosity of K-Staters from across the country, K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund announced today multiple fundraising records for FY23 related to annual giving.
Overall cash gifts to the department during the 2023 fiscal year totaled $36.3 million (ranks fourth historically), including a new record $24.1 million in annual fund donations. Also included in the $24.1 million in annual giving was a department record $1 million raised during the Powercat Auction.
Last September, K-State Athletics announced a new fundraising effort, Powering Excellence, to position K-State Athletics atop the new Big 12 Conference and enhance the world-class student-athlete experience through philanthropic giving. The Ahearn Fund saw a record 76% increase in donations to the Ahearn Excellence fund, a philanthropic fund not tied to seats or parking.
“Our fans continue to support our student-athletes and programs at a level that allows us to compete at the highest level,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “With landscape of college athletics changing by the year, it is important that we focus on enhancing the student-athlete experience and filling our stadiums through ticket sales and donations to the Ahearn Fund are the best way to do that. We have the best fans in the country and are grateful for their support and dedication to our programs.”
The Ahearn Fund reached 8,547 total members in 2022-23 from 47 different states, while the National Leadership Circle (donations of $10,000 or more annually) grew to 608 members from 26 different states.
