Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How can I become a member of the Wildcat Fund?
Any contribution of $100 or more to the Wildcat Fund or Seating-Athletics makes you a member of the Wildcat Fund.
When is the best time to make a gift to the Wildcat Fund?
Today! Make your gift now to help support our student-athletes. The deadline to give for football parking is May 31 and for football and men's basketball seating is Aug 31.
What is the impact of my donation to the Wildcat Fund?
Your donation directly impacts the lives of Northwestern's more than 500 student-athletes. By making a contribution to the Wildcat Fund, you help support areas of need such as academic support, travel, equipment, sports performance, sports medicine and general department expenses. It all adds up to provide our student-athletes with a world-class experience.
What is the Otto Graham Society?
The Otto Graham Society (OGS) is a multi-year leadership giving society for Northwestern Athletics. OGS members are invested in the continued enhancement of Wildcats Athletics and commit to annual donations of at least $25,000 over a five-year period.
What do I need to know about NCAA Compliance rules?
Members of the Wildcat Fund are considered “Representatives of Athletics Interests.” For more information about what this means for you, please visit our Compliance page.
When will we know more about the 2025 football season?
More information will be made available in December 2024 or January 2025.
BENEFITS & PURPLE POINTS
How can I purchase tickets?
Please visit our website at www.nusports.com/tickets/ or call the Northwestern Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).
Do all donations count towards my Purple Points?
All giving to Northwestern Athletics counts towards your Purple Points. In order to activate your Purple Points, an annual contribution of at least $100 needs to be made to the Wildcat Fund (or Seating-Athletics). Check out how you can accrue Purple Points here.
How do I qualify for football parking privileges and how are they allocated?
More information coming soon!
Are my Purple Points transferable?
Purple Points earned through ticket activity are transferable to immediate family members. However, Purple Points earned for donations are not transferable.
Do Purple Points impact football parking for the 2025 season?
Yes! Purple Points and current Wildcat Fund Giving Level will help determine parking allocations.
GIVING
Is my contribution tax deductible?
Northwestern University is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. To maximize the tax deductible portion of your gift, you may decline to receive any benefits when you make your gift to Northwestern. If you choose to accept your benefits, we are required to inform you your charitable contribution will be reduced by the value of those benefits.
In 2018, the federal government signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Under the new tax law, donors are not able to take a deduction for contributions allocated to Seating-Athletics that are tied to a specific seat location.
Please consult your tax advisor for further clarification.
In 2018, the federal government signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Under the new tax law, donors are not able to take a deduction for contributions allocated to Seating-Athletics that are tied to a specific seat location.
Please consult your tax advisor for further clarification.
What is a seating contribution and which season tickets require a seating contribution?
An annual contribution to Seating-Athletics is required for select football and men's basketball season ticket locations on a per-seat basis. Any gifts that are tied to seating locations must be allocated to either Football Seating or Men’s basketball Seating.
Support to FB Seating/MBB Seating provides the same opportunities as a Wildcat Fund gift except for the tax deduction. FB Seating and MBB Seating are two separate allocations and cannot be combined to cover per-seat contributions across the two sports.
Support to FB Seating/MBB Seating provides the same opportunities as a Wildcat Fund gift except for the tax deduction. FB Seating and MBB Seating are two separate allocations and cannot be combined to cover per-seat contributions across the two sports.
How do I make my gift to the Wildcat Fund?
Check out the many Ways to Give to the Wildcat Fund.
When is my annual Wildcat Fund donation due?
Your contribution is due prior to the one-year anniversary of your last gift. Please note that a donation in the current fiscal year (September 1-August 31) is required to activate your Purple Points.
Can I pledge my support and make multiple payments throughout the year?
Yes! Our new recurring giving option makes it easy to make contributions on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
If I give to a specific sport, am I considered a member of the Wildcat Fund?
Only contributions to the Wildcat Fund or Seating-Athletics qualifies you as a member of the Wildcat Fund and all the corresponding benefits.
What is a matching gift?
Some companies are willing to match the amount of an employee gift to the Wildcat Fund. Check with your company's foundation or philanthropic unit to determine if gifts are matched and what process that requires.
Can I do a payroll deduction? (Open to NU Employees Only)
All Northwestern University employees have the option to set up a payroll deduction. Please contact the Wildcat Fund Office at wildcatfund@northwestern.edu for more information or to request a copy of the payroll deduction form.