As we head into 2010 and the last half of FY10 (fiscal year ends June 30, 2010).  The VSF and Vandal Athletics Development have many things planned to capitalize on the momentum of a special football season.  Many of you have had questions about the upcoming fundraising events and the launch of several other excellence funds.  Above all, our message to donors and fans is to finish this fiscal year strong and get as many members and gifts involved with the VSF!

What are the upcoming events for the VSF?

We have lined up events for National Letter of Intent Day as well a full spring and summer of fundraising dinners and golf tournaments.  Please visit the events tab of this website and SAVE THE DATE for the VSF events in your area.

What are the fundraising priorities for Vandal Athletics and the VSF?

The VSF is the #1 priority in athletics fundraising.  Scholarships represent the biggest cost to Vandal Athletics each year.  The more money that can be raised for VSF, the less money Rob Spear needs to take out of other budgets and funds to ensure that bill is met.  Vandal Athletics will incur a scholarship bill this year of over $2.5 million.  With the state and University facing tough budget issues, fully funding this expense with your generous donations and private support is the greatest area of need for the athletics department.  Dollar for dollar, your gift can make the biggest difference by designating it to the VSF.  VSF gifts will still be the only gifts that cover priority seating requirements for football and basketball.

How are the new Coaches Excellence Fund and Basketball Excellence Fund different from the VSF?

Excellence funds indentify specific areas of need within the department and attempt to raise private dollars to create a "margin of excellence" for Athletic Director Rob Spear to improve certain areas.  The athletics department encourages fans to give to excellence funds as something above and beyond what they give to the VSF, as a special gift.  The AD's Fund for Coaches Excellence aims to provide increased compensation for all of our coaches to bring salaries in line with WAC averages.  The immediate need is to provide increases for football, however the long term goal of the fund is to benefit all of our coaches in all sports.  The Basketball Excellence fund creates a margin of funds that our basketball teams can spend on a multitude of expenses from ancilliary expenses to additional scholarship support.  Athletic Director Spear has oversight and execution of both these excellence accounts.

What's going on with the Kibbie Dome Renovation and Expansion?

Fundraising for the Kibbie Dome continues to go smoothly.  We are on pace to begin construction on the new premium seats after the 2010 football season and have them open for use in the 2011 football season.  Like excellence funds, we would encourage your gifts to the Kibbie Dome and/or other capital projects to be special gifts above and beyond your annual support of the VSF.  Should you have questions on how you can support this capital project, secure new premium club seats or a suites, or how this construction will impact existing seating, please contact the Vandal Athletic Develompent Offices at 208.885.0259 or vsf@uidaho.edu