Illinois State University’s athletic department has unveiled a new giving program titled The Battle Bird Society, with a goal of making more funding available for the entire department.
The department described the program as a new way to help student-athletes and teams succeed at ISU. Interim Athletic Director Jeri Beggs said Athletics can use money raised for the initiative to provide more flexibly than current programs.
“This annual leadership society will allow us to raise dollars specific to helping all 450-plus student-athletes and our 19 varsity sports,” said Beggs, adding the university's general fund lets the department decide case-by-case basis when to dole out money.
“We’re looking for some funds that would be more flexible,” Beggs said. “It could be used in any of our programs, any of our facilities, any reasonable expense that we think would benefit ISU athletics.”
The new program is named for a good luck practice of student-athletes and coaches. The “Battle Bird” is a bronze bust of the head of Redbird mascot Reggie Redbird. Every student-athlete and coach touches the sculpture before the start of every game.
The operating budget of the athletics department can restrict when and where additional funds can be granted. With this new program, Beggs said the department has more freedom in granting financial decisions.
“If a great idea comes to us and our operating budget doesn’t really allow it, we would be able to tap into these funds to do all really creative and interesting things that will help all of us,” said Beggs.
The areas of impact described by the program are travel expenses, facility enhancements, staff retention, capital projects, and health and nutrition.
Beggs cited new dynamics in college athletics as the impetus for the program — after Name, Image and Likeness [NIL] deals and other factors.
“The landscape of college athletics seems to be changing daily, however, this initiative will allow us to continue providing the necessary support for our student-athletes, coaches and programs to win championships," she said.
ISU anticipates an annual $500,000 drop in revenue over the next decade if a NCAA legal settlement with former Division I athletes is approved. The House vs. NCAA agreement aims to provide back pay damages for former Division I athletes.
