UNI Athletics launches Competitive Excellence Funds

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The University of Northern Iowa Athletics Department is proud to launch its latest initiative in its commitment to the success of Panther student-athletes with the unveiling of the UNI Athletics Competitive Excellence Funds.

This new program, which was introduced at the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year as a result of the House Settlement, allows revenue-sharing opportunities with UNI student-athletes and will represent a key investment in the future of Panther Athletics.

"We are pleased to launch this new fund for donors to support the revenue share program," said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. "In this new era of NCAA Division I athletics, we elected to opt-in to providing additional opportunities to support the student-athlete experience, including revenue share. The Competitive Excellence funds are key to coaches recruitment and retention efforts for future and current Panther student-athletes pursuing their graduation and career goals, proudly competing for conference and national championships."

The UNI Athletics Competitive Excellence Funds, which are housed under the UNI Foundation, are sport-specific giving opportunities designed to directly support student-athlete revenue sharing opportunities. By providing meaningful and targeted resources, these funds are designed to help UNI remain competitive not only within the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), but also across all NCAA Division I competitions.

"UNI's revenue sharing program marks a transformative step forward in how we support our student-athletes," said John Mosbach, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and NIL. "By aligning our resources with the evolving collegiate landscape, we're honoring the value student-athletes bring to our institution, both on and off the field. Philanthropic support from our donors continues to be a critical pillar in this effort, helping ensure that we can invest in both competitive excellence and student-athlete well-being."

To learn more about the UNI Athletics Competitive Excellence Funds and how to contribute, visit supportthepanthers.com/competitive-excellence-fund.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What are Competitive Excellence Funds?
Competitive Excellence Funds are a new charitable avenue as a result of the House Settlement that allow donors to invest in student-athlete revenue sharing and help UNI maintain its championship-caliber programs.

What is the difference between Competitive Excellence Funds and the Panther Scholarship Club?
The Panther Scholarship Club (PSC) serves as UNI's annual fund, moving the department forward while providing opportunities for student-athletes through quality learning experiences and competition. Panther Scholarship Club contributions are associated with defined membership benefits and donor giving levels, providing supporters with access to certain season ticket locations, parking, hospitality, and more. For more information on how to support the PSC, contact Associate AD for Revenue Generation, Steven McKee, at 319-273-2468 or steven.mckee@uni.edu.

The new Competitive Excellence Funds support UNI's revenue sharing efforts. Gifts to the Competitive Excellence Funds earn priority points (2 points per $100) and are tax deductible but do not provide Panther Scholarship Club benefits.

What is the House settlement?
A legal settlement approved in April 2025 in federal court, commonly referred to as the House settlement. Among many aspects of the settlement, it allows universities, for the first time, to share a portion of sports-related revenue with student-athletes. It also sets a cap on the total dollar amounts schools can pay athletes per year.

Can I designate my gift to a specific student-athlete?
No. To comply with NCAA rules and federal regulations, gifts cannot be directed to benefit a specific student-athlete. However, you can designate your support to a specific team. The UNI Athletics department will determine how best to use these funds for the success of the programs. All student-athletes remain eligible to monetize their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) through endorsements, sponsorships and other commercial activities.

Are contributions to Excellence Funds tax deductible?
Yes. Contributions to the UNI Athletics Excellence Funds are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All donations are processed through the UNI Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for guidance based on your individual circumstances.

What happens to the Panther Collective?
The Panther Collective, a non-profit corporation helping amplify UNI Athletics, operated independently to support student-athletes through Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities prior to July 1, 2025. While the Panther Collective has now dissolved, they continue to be ambassadors for UNI Athletics.

Are there different ways to give?
Yes, there are many ways to give including cash gifts, planned giving, gifts of securities and stock and more. Please visit https://foundation.uni.edu/support-uni/ways-give to learn more!

Who do I contact regarding gifts to an Excellence Fund or if I have questions?
Contributions to the UNI Athletics Competitive Excellence Funds can be made online HERE. For more information, please contact Senior Associate AD for Development & NIL, John Mosbach, at 319-273-7817 or john.mosbach@uni.edu.

UNI Athletics action can be followed all year long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). Schedules and rosters, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.

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