Named for the famous Texas A&M 12th Man tradition, the 12th Man Foundation strives to continue Texas A&M's athletic success.

From a vision in the late 1940s to the introduction of The Championship Vision in 2000, the 12th Man Foundation has become one of the most successful and well-respected fundraising organizations in all of college athletics.

Most importantly, during that 50-year span, the funds generated by the 12th Man Foundation and its loyal donor base have helped transform Texas A&M’s athletic department into one of the nation’s best.

It’s no coincidence that Texas A&M’s rise during the last five decades, and especially in the last 10 years, has coincided with the dramatic increase in donors to the 12th Man Foundation. In 1950, the 12th Man Foundation, then known as The Aggie Club, accounted for $16,182 in annual donations.

In 2001, the 12th Man Foundation received more than $12 million in annual revenues, $17 million in total revenues, and managed an endowment of almost $50 million. Over the 51-year history of the 12th Man Foundation, Aggies have donated more than $100 million in annual gifts.

In the 1990s, the 12th Man Foundation’s donor base grew from 5,000 at the beginning of the decade to more than 23,000 by the end. That increase is vital to the health of Texas A&M athletics, which are completely self-supporting and cannot receive state funds or public tax dollars. The 12th Man Foundation provides the funds for every athletic scholarship A&M offers in 21 men’s and women’s sports. The Foundation also raises money for athletic facilities, academic tutoring for student-athletes and more. Truly, 12th Man donors are the foundation of Texas A&M’s athletic success.

Today, the 12th Man Foundation offers its donors a variety of benefits, including priority ticket options for football and basketball games, one of the finest sports magazines in the country, 12th Man Magazine, road-game travel arrangements, sports e-mail updates, bowl activities and more.

Just as E. King Gill, the original 12th Man, once came out of the stands to stand ready to help his team, our fans can still literally help our performances on the field by spporting the 12th Man Foundation. You won't be asked to sweat it out on the field, but your tax-deductible financial support will propel the Aggies to greater heights.

CLICK HERE to view the current 12th Man Foundation Executive Committee

• Foundation Staff