FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What are the Bridge to Excellence Funds?
A: The Bridge to Excellence Funds support institutionally administered student-athlete revenue sharing, and program enhancements provided directly by the University of San Francisco under evolving NCAA and conference guidelines. The fund helps USF remain competitive while preserving institutional oversight and alignment with the University’s mission.
Q: Can donors give to institutionally administered student-athlete revenue sharing funds?
A: Yes. donors can contribute to NCAA revenue-sharing initiatives. The House v. NCAA settlement allows schools to directly pay athletes up to 20.5 million annually starting in 2025–26. Many universities have set up specific gift funds to raise money from donors for these payments. Donors may now fund the revenue-sharing pool directly, which offers tax-efficient, philanthropic alternatives to previous NIL collectives.
Q: What is revenue sharing?
A: Revenue sharing is a system in which schools directly share athletic department revenues with student-athletes. Unlike NIL, which depends on third-party brands, revenue sharing is an internal redistribution of money generated from media rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
Examples of revenue sharing:
- Flat annual payments to athletes in specific sports
- Percentage of conference media rights distributed to athletes
- School-based revenue pools for athlete stipends
Q: Does this fund support revenue sharing or student NIL?
A: The Bridge to Excellence Funds helps support areas to enhance the student-athlete experience, including recruiting and retaining student-athletes through revenue sharing, mental health and well-being, advanced recruitment and technology, and more.
Q: How are funds used beyond revenue sharing?
A: In addition to primarily providing student-athlete financial support, the funds can also support essential program enhancements, including:
- Institutionally administered student-athlete revenue sharing and benefits associated with NIL agreements
- Revenue Share / NIL educational development and financial literacy
- Competitive student-athlete travel experiences
- Modern infrastructure that supports recruiting and competitive success
- Mental health and performance enhancement
- General management expenses
- Advanced recruitment technology, equipment, and analytics
These investments are critical to sustaining competitive programs and delivering a first-class student-athlete experience.
Q: How are funds distributed?
A: All funds are allocated by the university in accordance with:
- NCAA and conference policies
- University governance and compliance oversight
- Sport-specific and programmatic priorities of USF men’s and women's basketball
Distributions are structured, and fully institutionally controlled.
Q: Does this make student-athletes employees of the university?
A: No. Student-athletes remain students, not employees. Support provided through the funds are structured to comply with current legal and regulatory guidance while preserving the educational mission of intercollegiate athletics.
Q: How does this help USF Athletics compete?
A: Direct student-athlete support and enhanced program resources have become baseline expectations in Division I athletics. The Bridge to Excellence Funds allow USF to:
- Attract top student-athlete talent
- Retain student-athletes in an era of increased transfer mobility
- Provide stability and continuity across programs
- Compete nationally while maintaining academic and ethical standards
Q: Can my gift support a specific sport?
A: Yes. Gifts may be directed to a specific sport or program, by selecting either the Men’s or Women’s Basketball. A USF development officer will work with you to ensure your intent is clearly reflected. For questions, please email godons@usfca.edu.
At this time, the university is prioritizing support for men’s and women’s basketball.
Each USF Athletics program is empowered to raise funds for their specific revenue sharing and student-athlete support goals. As part of that process, minimum thresholds for participation are sought before a Bridge to Excellence Fund may be established and publicly promoted. For donors considering a gift to a sport other than women’s or men’s basketball, please contact godons@usfca.edu.
Q: How is this different from booster collectives or third-party models?
A: The Bridge to Excellence Funds are:
- Administered by the University of San Francisco
- Fully compliant with NCAA and conference regulations
- Integrated into long-term athletics and institutional planning
Q: Why is philanthropy necessary for this fund?
A: Athletics departments are absorbing significant new financial responsibilities at a time when costs are rising and traditional revenue sources are under pressure. Philanthropic support allows USF to implement these changes responsibly, support student-athletes fully, and protect academic and programmatic priorities across the university. This is one of several opportunities for USF to enhance student support alongside partnerships and ticket revenues.
Q: Is my contribution tax-deductible?
A: Yes. Gifts to the funds are treated as charitable contributions to the University of San Francisco in accordance with IRS regulations. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding individual circumstances.
The University of San Francisco’s tax ID number is: 94-1156628. Checks should be made payable to the “University of San Francisco” and mailed to:
University of San Francisco
Office of Development Services
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
*Please include a memo line inscription, “Bridge to Excellence (Men’s/Women’s)”
Q: How does this align with USF’s mission?
A: USF Athletics is grounded in Jesuit values, including cura personalis, leadership, and holistic development. The funds ensure that student-athletes are supported not only as competitors, but as students and future leaders prepared to make a positive impact in their communities.
Q: Who oversees the Bridge to Excellence Funds?
A: The funds are overseen by the university in the lens of integrity, fiscal responsibility, student-athlete welfare, and competitiveness. With the collaboration and oversight of Athletics Leadership, the USF Office of Development, Athletics Compliance, and Financial Administration, this structure ensures accountability, and alignment with donor intent. Head coaches of benefitting programs are also integral partners in the implementation of funds.
