Rotarians learned about the updated Huskie Athletic Fund membership levels and benefits at Northern Illinois University from Associate Athletic Director for Development, Dominick Parisi. The updated program includes one donation for a calendar year of membership (no more "a la carte") with payment available through payment plans, pledges, and matches. Nine membership levels (with increasing benefits) are offered:
- Boneyard ($50/year)
- Pack ($100/year)
- Pride ($500/year)
- Coaches ($1,500/year)
- Directors ($2,500/year)
- Champions ($5,000/year)
- All-Conference ($10,000/year)
- Legends/Huskie Circle ($25,000/year)
- Hall of Fame/Huskie Circle ($50,000/year)
Benefits include discounts, gifts, and access. Top tier Huskie Circle membership ($25,000+) include exclusive HC gear, sideline coaches gear, travel opportunities, ring/pendants for purchase, all-access passes, and away game suite/field passes.
Dominick said the program was updated to:
- Remove "Build Your Membership"
- Re-establish membership
- Match NIU's peers
- Make it easier on our members
- House settlement/NIL (name, image, likeness)
- Allow the Huskie Athletic Fund to grow annually
Since launching in February, the program has enrolled 164 members (including 51 new members), generating $398,819 in revenue. It is the highest donor participation for NIU since FY2017.