Support of the Hampton University athletics program is the key to success on the field and in the classroom.

The Department of Athletics has completed the process of restructuring the philanthropic and fundraising vehicle to improve, upgrade, and help increase philanthropy with the unveiling of the Hampton Athletics Foundation.

The Hampton Athletics Foundation provides a way for organizations and individuals to assist Hampton student-athletes receive a quality education while providing America's No. 1 student experience.

The primary task of the Hampton Athletics Foundation is to provide the resources necessary to enrich the lives of our 320+ student-athletes as they strive to reach their full academic and athletic potential.

"Over the past seven months, we have worked to create more opportunities for the Hampton family and friends to be involved philanthropically throughout all seasons of life and to give to the areas of our athletics department that they are most passionate about at an amount meaningful to them," said Anthony D. Henderson, Sr., Hampton Director of Athletics

To achieve this goal, a number of investor levels have been developed to support the Department of Athletics.

Membership Levels include:
President's Club - $10,000 annually
Athletic Director's Club - $5,000 annually
Pirate - $2,500 annually
Crewmate - $1,000 annually
Shipmate - $500 annually
Matey - $100 annually

"Participation at every level is key to increasing philanthropic support for our 320+ student-athletes across our 17 sports. As we continue to encourage more people to get involved philanthropically, it is important moving forward to provide better education and enhance the giving experience of our investors while also improving the professionalism of our operation. We are confident that the Hampton Athletics Foundation will do just that."

"I am highly honored to be one of the inaugural members of the Pirate Leadership Society," said Derek Lewis an alumni who is a part of the class of "88. "As a former HU student, providing ongoing support to my "Home By The Sea" has always been extremely important to me. Athletics plays a very critical role in the overall success of the University. AD Henderson and his team have developed a very comprehensive plan to help our student-athletes achieve at the highest level on and off the playing field. This effort will ultimately lead to an increased number of multi-sport championships and higher academic achievements. My multi-year commitment reflects my confidence and excitement for Hampton's overall future in Athletics."

This structure will determine access to seating, parking, and tailgating. Investors will also qualify for exclusive benefits and event invitations throughout the year.

The Pirate Leadership Society is an exclusive program for investors of $5,000 or more per year (minimum five years) to the Department of Athletics. These contributions are inclusive of capital giving, scholarships, and endowments. All philanthropic commitments beyond season ticket contributions are tax deductible.

Unrestricted gifts are allocated to the men's and women's athletics programs. In addition, sport-specific funds may be made. These sports include:

· Men's Basketball Excellence Fund
· Women's Basketball Excellence Fund
· Football Excellence Fund
· Men's Lacrosse Excellence Fund
· Sailing Excellence Fund
· Women's Soccer Excellence Fund
· Men's Track & Field/Cross Country Excellence Fund
· Women's Track & Field/Cross Country Excellence Fund
· Women's Triathlon Excellence Fund
· Volleyball Excellence Fund
· Men's Tennis Excellence Fund
· Women's Tennis Excellence Fund
· Softball Excellence Fund

To make a donation to the Hampton Athletics Foundation, visit https://home.hamptonu.edu/athletics/donate/