Blackbird Club Brochure (.pdf)
What is the Blackbird Club?
The Blackbird Club is a generous group of individuals who contribute annually to Long Island University’s intercollegiate athletics program. Their contributions, ranging from $100 to $2,500 or more, help underwrite the costs of scholarships for worthy student-athletes and provide funds necessary to support the new $40 million Athletic Recreation and Wellness Center and the 17-sport athletics program.
The Blackbird Club has the personal satisfaction of helping young people who excel in athletics obtain a college education. The scholarship support may make the difference between a young man or woman being able to afford the type of quality education Long Island University offers.
The Blackbird Club endorses members who are active participants in helping to enhance the image and spirit of the university’s overall athletics program. Through attendance at games, social events and awards banquets, they are important members of the LIU athletics family, helping to make the Blackbirds winners.
The Blackbird Club helps to uphold the great tradition of athletics success achieved by generations of male and female athletes who have worn the LIU uniform. They are supporters of the LIU Athletics Hall of Fame that honors outstanding Blackbird athletes and coaches of the past.
The Blackbird Club offers several gift levels with valuable benefits associated with each level. The gift levels are as follows: All-American - $2500 and up; Coaches Circle - $1000-$2499; Captain - $500-$999; Varsity - $250-$499; Blackbird - $100-$249.
The NCAA and Booster Clubs
As a member of the Blackbird Club, you are an important contributor to the success of LIU athletics. The knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations that apply to all coaches, staff, parents and boosters is critical to serve our student-athletes and maintain the integrity of the program. Playing by the rules is a must and not an option.
Any questions regarding membership to the Blackbird Club and NCAA rules and regulations for booster clubs can be directed to Greg Fox, Associate Director of Athletics, at 718-488-1018
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Tax Deductibility
All gifts to the Blackbird Club are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. The deductibility of your gift may be affected by any benefits you receive. As with any charitable gift, please consult your tax advisor to determine your deduction.
Ways to Contribute
Cash Gifts (checks or money orders)
Provide immediate assistance to fund annual scholarship commitments and supplement the athletic program budget. Contributions can be made in a lump sum or divided into payments.
Pledges
Semi-annual pledges are available for members at the Coaches Circle or All-America level only. For further information, call Greg Fox, Associate Director of Athletics, at 718-488-1018.
Endowment Fund
The Blackbird Club will assist individuals in establishing an endowment through a bequest and/or planned gift. An entire or partial scholarship may carry the name of the donor and be designed for a specific purpose. Interest earned from this type of major gift pays athletes’ tuition, rooms, board, books and other fees. For further information, call Greg Fox, Associate Director of Athletics, at 718-488-1018.
Gifts-in-Kind
May take the form of goods and services which can result in savings to the overall athletic budget (i.e: automobiles, office supplies, equipment, meals, motel/hotel use).
Gifts of Stock or Real Estate Property
Share your shares! Donate corporate stocks, bonds, real estate and other property, etc. The Blackbird Club membership level will be equal to the value of the gift on the day it is received. For further information call Greg Fox, Associate Director of Athletics, at 718-488-1018.
Matching Gifts
Enhance the impact of your contribution to higher education through your company’s matching gift program. Corporate matching gifts will be included in determining a donor’s membership level. Members receive credit for their gifts plus any matching funds by returning the company’s matching gift form along with the Blackbird Club membership application card.
A Message From John Suarez
When I accepted the position of director of athletics in 1997, I was proud to join the outstanding tradition of the Blackbirds. The dedication and commitment of our administration, staff, coaches, student-athletes and alumni, as well as the spirit of our student body and fans throughout Brooklyn makes this a special institution.John Suarez
Director of Athletics
Long Island University sponsors a broad-based athletics program, proudly enjoying success in each of its 17 sports. Over the past few years, a revitalization has occurred both athletically and academically as our teams have earned great distinction.
The final step in the process is here. After being non-operational for more than two decades, the Blackbird Club is back as the primary fundraising arm of the program. Funds generated by the Blackbird Club help to provide the resources necessary for the school to have a competitive Division I athletics program. With the $40 million Athletic, Recreation and Wellness Center helping us recruit top-notch student-athletes, the LIU Athletics Hall of Fame, additional athletic alumni events and increased awareness of all of our athletic programs, interest has grown to a level that can help us reach our next goals.
You can make a difference. Your generosity and moral support will be an investment in the future of LIU athletics and our talented student-athletes. By joining the Blackbird Club, you will receive several benefits (see chart) in addition to knowing that you are helping to carry on the proud Blackbird tradition.
Further details on our organization are listed in this brochure. You also can call my office at 718-488-1030 or Associate Director, Greg Fox’s office at 718-488-1018 for a personal conversation. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at one of our athletic contests and/or social events.
Sincerely,
John Suarez
Director of Athletics 