ATL Standard

Not all success stories in Georgia Tech athletics are written on the field of competition and those close to the program can attest to the importance of the Alexander-Tharpe Fund.

The fund is an arm of Georgia Tech Athletic Association and serves as its main fundraising source for facilities, endowments and current operations. The Yellowjackets compete at the NCAA Division I level in 20 different sports. 

To meet the challenge of competing for conference and national championships, the Alexander-Tharpe Fund focuses on three pillars: current operations, endowments and facilities, according to its website. In Fiscal Year 2019 and Fiscal Year 2020, the fund generated $58 million and $53 million respectively.

Donations to the fund help build better student-athletes and improves recruiting as coaches seek out athletes capable of excelling in both athletics and academics at Georgia Tech. Ultimately, funding assists the athletic program to meet its goals of competitive success.

“The tradition of athletic excellence has long been a source of pride and passion at Georgia Tech, and your support is essential to continue providing scholarships for student-athletes excelling in the classroom, competition and in life,” the website states.

Donations to current operations fund athletic scholarships, mission-based activities and discretionary improvements in the athletic director’s initiative. Donors are exposed to the Tech Fund, which is the per-seat program that offers preferred seats for football and men’s basketball games. Endowments offer long-term success for Georgia Tech as it provides funding in perpetuity for student-athlete scholarships, coaching, administration and sports programs.

The third pillar, facilities, funds new buildings and renovations that allow Georgia Tech to remain competitive in the conference, retain the best student-athletes, hire and retain coaches and administrative staff.

Among the current priorities for the 2021 Fiscal Year are the Support the Swarm Fund, developed to help student-athletes thrive despite current short-term challenges. The Head Coaches Fund focuses on retaining the top leaders in athletics.

Those interested in making a greater impact in Georgia Tech athletics and providing a gift to the Alexander-Tharpe fund can do so online at http://atfund.gatech.edu/methods-giving.