FAMU's Renewed Fundraising Blitz Fuels $300K for Football Program

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has found early momentum in its renewed approach to athletic fundraising, thanks to the leadership of new Vice President of University Advancement, Brandi Tatum-Fedrick. Tatum-Fedrick understood the need for athletics to have its own dedicated fundraising personnel and campaigns, and she hired former FAMU Athletics Associate Athletic Director Marvin Green as the new Major Gifts Officer for FAMU Athletics and the Marching "100."

Green, a graduate of FAMU's School of Business and Industry, brought deep relationships across the FAMU community and experience from the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and the NCAA Sports Management Institute. His efforts have already paid dividends, with $50,000 gifts secured for the Marching "100" and the men's basketball program following the hiring of coach Charlie Ward, a former NBA player and Heisman Trophy winner.

The momentum accelerated in December with the hiring of new football coach Quinn Gray. Soon after, the FAMU Foundation launched the "Restore the Strike" campaign, aiming to raise $250,000 by January 31, 2023. Despite the challenging holiday season timing, the campaign surpassed its goal, raising over $302,000.

This fundraising success was fueled in part by the Greek-letter organizations that have long supported FAMU.

"Let me be clear, my schools are FAMU first, then the University of Miami. What Green is doing for FAMU is unheard of. At this pace, this campaign could bring in half a million dollars for football. That's major for an HBCU."

- Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, longtime FAMU supporter

FAMU's strategy focuses on enhancing the student-athlete experience, which is essential for both recruiting and retention. The next phase of the "Restore the Strike" campaign includes new lights and a tower on the practice field, along with technology upgrades for players.

As FAMU football seeks a return to the top of the SWAC after a 5–7 season, new Head Coach Quinn Gray aligns with a broader trend across HBCU football, where Division II championship coaches have helped restore programs to national relevance.

HBCU Connect Perspective

FAMU's renewed fundraising efforts under the leadership of Brandi Tatum-Fedrick and Marvin Green are a testament to the power of strategic, dedicated resource mobilization for HBCU athletics. By tapping into the passion and support of the FAMU community, including prominent alumni and Greek-letter organizations, the university has generated significant new investments to elevate its sports programs and the iconic Marching "100" band.

This story is particularly significant for the HBCU community, as it showcases the transformative impact that can be achieved when HBCU institutions prioritize athletic fundraising and leverage the deep connections and pride of their alumni and supporters. FAMU's success in raising over $300,000 in just 40 days for its football program is a remarkable achievement and a model for other HBCUs to follow as they seek to enhance the student-athlete experience and compete at the highest levels of collegiate sports.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.