The 12th Man Foundation
A Legacy of Adaptation and Innovation
12th Man Foundation launches the 12th Man+ Fund
In the summer of 2022, the 12th Man Foundation's leadership was asked the question: “Is it possible for the organization to assist in a meaningful way with NIL programs for student-athletes at Texas A&M University?”
The answer… 12th Man+.
Following months of thorough evaluation and planning, with guidance provided by the organization's Board of Trustees, the 12th Man+ Fund was officially launched on Feb. 15, 2023. The initiative provides prospective donors with a trusted avenue to contribute toward NIL for Aggie student-athletes while also supporting Texas A&M's pursuit of excellence.
For the 12th Man Foundation, the first step toward answering the NIL question was forming a committee of Trustees to evaluate if it was possible to provide support while ensuring the integrity of the organization's charitable status and storied reputation would be protected.
“The 12th Man Foundation has always adapted to new challenges and the everchanging landscape of college athletics,” said 2023 Board of Trustees Chair Kevin McDonald. “When exploring promoting the organization by supporting NIL, we prioritized staying true to the 12th Man Foundation's mission and remaining compliant with all the rules that govern our organization.”
With 12th Man+, the organization has created an innovative solution to NIL that benefits donors, student-athletes and the 12th Man Foundation. Donors can direct their contributions to benefit Aggie student-athletes in any sport while receiving membership benefits including priority points. In turn, the 12th Man Foundation will use 12th Man+ donations to compensate student-athletes for using their name, image or likeness to promote the organization's mission through marketing services.
“12th Man+ provides donors with maximum flexibility to support Texas A&M Athletics and our student-athletes through NIL regardless of what sport they want to contribute to and the amount they are comfortable giving. Most importantly, they can provide their support through a well-managed organization they know and trust.”
“12th Man+ provides donors with maximum flexibility to support Texas A&M Athletics and our student-athletes through NIL regardless of what sport they want to contribute to and the amount they are comfortable giving,” McDonald said. “Most importantly, they can provide their support through a well-managed organization they know and trust.”
As an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has supported Aggie Athletics since 1950, the 12th Man Foundation has built a reputation as a leader in collegiate athletics fundraising. The credit for that success belongs to the unrivaled generosity and commitment of Aggies who proudly answer the call to support Texas A&M Athletics.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the 12th Man Foundation and our donors to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Aggie student-athletes,” said 12th Man Foundation President & CEO Travis Dabney. “Donor support of 12th Man+ will allow us to engage with student-athletes and expand our reach as they help spread awareness of our mission of funding championship athletics at Texas A&M University.”
As key benefactors of the 12th Man Foundation's mission, student-athletes will have the opportunity to be advocates for something that directly impacts their experience and success at Texas A&M.
“12th Man+ is a unique avenue of support that benefits our student-athletes and our mission while helping give Texas A&M Athletics a competitive advantage,” Dabney said. “For supporters who want to invest in the Aggie experience for our student-athletes, we believe 12th Man+ is the perfect solution.”