HBCU establishes fund to support athletes amid House settlement commitment

Prairie View A&M announced the launch of a newly established fundraising initiative designed to bolster support for the school’s 350 student-athletes.

The introduction of the Panther Athletic Fund comes as colleges nationwide brace for significant changes in the world of collegiate sports.

Rising program and scholarship expenses, evolving revenue-sharing models, and expanding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities are reshaping the financial and competitive landscape.

The recent House vs. NCAA settlement, which redefined athletic departments’ fiscal responsibilities, further underscores the need for innovative funding solutions.

All 12 SWAC schools opted into the settlement in June.

“The Panther Athletic Fund marks a new era for Prairie View A&M Athletics,” said Anton Goff, Director of Athletics. “The playing field in college sports is changing rapidly, and our ability to compete starts with how we support our student-athletes and our coaches. Through the Panther Athletic Fund, Panther Nation has a direct way to impact the lives of our student athletes and programs and ensure PV is prepared to lead in this new landscape.”

PV baseball
Photo: Prairie View Athletics

At the heart of the Panther Athletic Fund are four strategic giving priorities, the school said, which includes:

Champions Society: This premier philanthropic group unites leadership donors who pledge $25,000 or more (at least $5,000 per year, payable over up to five years). Members provide transformational support and receive exclusive engagement opportunities and year-round recognition.

Sport-Specific Excellence Funds: Donors can earmark contributions for their favorite teams, supporting areas such as academics, nutrition, recruiting, equipment, team travel, and technology. These funds are essential for building competitive and sustainable programs.

Sport-Specific NIL/Revenue Share Funds: Contributions to these funds empower PVAMU to recruit and retain top-tier talent by providing resources for student-athletes to grow their personal brands and benefit from NIL opportunities.

Purple & Gold Fund: This unrestricted annual fund addresses the most immediate and high-impact needs across all athletic programs, ensuring that PVAMU Athletics remains agile and competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

“This isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about building the infrastructure for sustained success,” said Megan Reed, Director of Development for PVAMU Athletics. “Whether you’re supporting NIL, our sport-specific funds, or joining the Champions Society, every gift to the Panther Athletic Fund drives the future of Panther Athletics. Our donors are more than supporters — they are strategic partners in our mission.”

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