THE 12TH MAN FOUNDATION
Supporting championship athletics at Texas A&M since 1950
OUR MISSION
The 12th Man Foundation's mission is funding scholarships, programs and facilities in support of championship athletics.
Named in honor of Texas A&M's renowned 12th Man tradition.
Your financial support, whether it be through purchasing season tickets, making an annual donation or committing to a major gift, directly benefits Aggie student-athletes in the classroom and in competition. Your support ensures these young men and women leave Texas A&M prepared for the next step in their lives.
Our History
Swipe through to see some of the organization's milestones
1950
Establishing The Aggie Club
On April 2, 1950, seven former students established The Aggie Club to raise scholarship funds for athletes returning from World War II. With A.E. Foerster serving as its first president, the organization secured tax-exempt status and raised $16,182 in its inaugural year, laying the groundwork for decades of transformational support.
1975
Ushering in a New Chapter
Harry Green's arrival marked a pivotal turning point for the organization. A relationship- building innovator who “never met a stranger,” Green spent nearly two decades expanding donor relationships across Texas. Under his leadership, membership grew from 1,000 to over 6,500, while annual giving surpassed $2.5 million.
1988
Becoming the 12th Man Foundation
On November 19, 1988, The Aggie Club became the 12th Man Foundation. The name change resolved confusion with other A&M clubs and better reflected the organization's fundraising mission. The rebrand signaled growth and professionalism, setting the stage for future advancement.
1996-99
Transforming Communication
The mid-to-late 1990s marked a digital revolution for the 12th Man Foundation. 12th Man Magazine launched in 1996, elevating donor communication from tabloid to polished publication. In 1998, the organization pioneered online ticket sales for the Sugar Bowl and established 12thmanfoundation.com, reshaping engagement with its growing donor base.
1999
Redefining Gameday
The Bernard C. Richardson Zone transformed Kyle Field's north end, introducing premium experiences that redefined gameday. The Zone Club, with its wood paneling and custom chandeliers, established a new standard for collegiate premium seating. The project helped Texas A&M lead the nation in attendance while setting a foundation for future premium experiences.
2000-11
Embracing a Championship Vision
Recognizing Texas A&M's facilities were far behind its competitors, the athletics department and the 12th Man Foundation launched the Championship Vision Campaign under Jack Little's leadership. What began as a $35 million initiative ultimately raised $150 million across three phases, funding facility upgrades throughout athletics and culminating in the $24 million redevelopment of Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
2003
Becoming the Official Ticket Provider
All ticketing operations were consolidated under one roof, with the 12th Man Foundation becoming the official ticket provider for Texas A&M Athletics. Led by Tracy Treps and Carole Dollins, this integration unified separate ticketing offices, creating a streamlined donor experience while strengthening the 12th Man Foundation's role in supporting Aggie Athletics.
2005
Launching Major Gifts
The creation of the Major Gifts department marked a strategic investment in donor relationships and long-term fundraising success. Led by Stu Starner, the team demonstrated the value of building deeper connections with donors and transformed how the organization secured support for major capital projects.
2006-07
Defining the Donor Experience
The 12th Man Foundation introduced the Aggie Access Priority Point program, creating a fair and transparent framework for allocating donor benefits. The organization also adopted its enduring ten-word mission statement: “Funding scholarships, programs and facilities in support of championship athletics.”
2011-12
Joining the SEC
Amid uncertainty surrounding the Big 12, Texas A&M's transition to the Southeastern Conference became a reality. When potential legal challenges arose, Texas A&M leadership leveraged the 12th Man Foundation's independent structure to support indemnification of lawsuits, helping ensure the university's place in the SEC.
2013-15
Redeveloping Kyle Field
The largest football stadium renovation in collegiate athletics history transformed Kyle Field into the premier venue in college football. The 12th Man Foundation raised $220 million toward the $485 million project, far surpassing its $125 million goal. Completed in just two years, the redevelopment expanded capacity to over 102,000, making it the SEC's largest stadium.
2016
Taking the Next Step
Following Kyle Field's completion, Texas A&M Athletics and the 12th Man Foundation launched the $40 million Next Step Campaign for football, softball and track and field. The centerpiece projects—Davis Diamond and E.B. Cushing Stadium—delivered premier venues for Aggie Softball and Track & Field, continuing the elevation of Texas A&M Athletics facilities.
2020
Responding During COVID
When COVID-19 restrictions limited Kyle Field capacity to 25%, 12th Man Foundation donors responded with extraordinary generosity. Nearly 3,500 season ticket holders contributed $11.6 million in support during this critical time. Meanwhile, Aggie Football finished 9-1 with its first Orange Bowl victory and the program's highest ranking since 1939.
2022-23
Answering the Call
Honoring E. King Gill's legendary stand, Texas A&M Athletics and the 12th Man Foundation launched the $120 million Centennial Campaign. Completed in just one year, the largest philanthropic effort in 12th Man Foundation history surpassed its goal, raising $122.69 million from generous donors. The campaign funded transformative facilities and reinforced A&M's commitment to championship-level resources.
2024-25
Expanding NIL Support
During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the 12th Man Foundation supported the evolving NIL needs of Texas A&M Athletics through innovative marketing and sponsorship arrangements. Thanks to generous donors and the thoughtful stewardship of donor funds, the organization generated $39.1 million in NIL support ahead of the House case settlement. These efforts helped Texas A&M recruit and retain elite talent while positioning its programs for sustained success entering the revenue sharing era.