<p>Fortune magazine had an article, in the October 29, 2007 issue, about U Florida and their rise to prominence in the big time college sports scene - having won national championships in football and basketball in the same year.</p>
<p>The article talks about their athletic department boosters that fund more than a third of the U Florida’s athletic department revenue. “Gator Boosters” include 13,000 members (annual fee is $50 minimum) and include 892 “Bull Gators” (contributing at least $12,000 annually)! That’s quite impressive. </p>
<p>The largest college athletic deparment budgets, by revenue are:</p>
<li>The Ohio State University, $104.7 M, Big 10</li>
<li>University of Texas, $97.8 M, Big 12</li>
<li>University of Virginia, $92.7 M, ACC</li>
<li>University of Michigan, $85.5 M, Big 10</li>
<li>University of Florida, $82.4 M, SEC</li>
<li>University of Georgia, $79.2 M, SEC</li>
<li>University of Wisconsin, $78.9 M, Big 10</li>
<li>University of Notre Dame, $78.2 M, Independent</li>
<li>Texas A&M University, $70.9 M, Big 12</li>
<li>Penn State University, $70.5 M, Big 10</li>
</ol>
<p>The great thing is that these large athletic departments are run as non-profit foundations. Since they’re non-profit, they can accept donations, and donors can write donations off on their taxes. Unfortunately, Congress is looking to change these rules because of complaints that donors are getting something in return, in the form of better seats, perks, etc…and the govt. wants their share.</p>
<p>U Florida’s department has operated in the black and “during the past 17 years”; and “has donated some $40 million to the university, $6 million of that this year alone.” Now, that’s something where “It’s Great to Be A Florida Gator!”</p>