Welcome to the official fundraising page of the Southern Illinois Rugby Football Club Alumni, Inc. We are a dedicated community of former rugby players who share a deep bond forged on the field and a commitment to supporting the growth of rugby at Southern Illinois University (SIU). Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 a year to support various initiatives, including the graduate student coaching program. We can't start this program until we have at least two years of savings, as the program is two years long. A significant driving force behind our fundraising efforts is the initiative to support a graduate student coach, who will play a crucial role in the development and success of our rugby teams.

Why We Are Raising Money

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1. Coaching and Development Programs

Exceptional coaching is the cornerstone of a successful rugby program. We are working with the university to develop a graduate scholarship and design what this ongoing partnership would look like. This project, in collaboration with the SIU REC Center and Student Affairs, aims to cover a graduate student stipend for 2 years. The graduate student will be an employee of the REC Center and will receive a 2-year scholarship from the university, with the SIU Alumni Association funding a monthly stipend for 9 months each year. This graduate student will be responsible for coaching the team, recruiting, and working closely with the university to ensure the program's success.

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2. Alumni Organization Costs

Running our alumni organization involves some minimal but essential costs. These include website fees, upfront costs for fundraising events and old boys parties, insurance, banking fees, and other State and Federal administrative expenses. Your support helps us cover these costs, allowing us to focus on our mission of supporting SIU rugby. 

3. Potential Financial Support to Student Athletes

We believe that financial barriers should never prevent talented athletes from pursuing their passion. As rugby continues to grow at the high school level, we hope to provide financial opportunities in the future. This initiative will help us stay on par with other state and private schools that already offer similar support, making SIU a competitive choice for aspiring rugby players.

 

 

What The University Covers

There are certain costs that are traditionally covered by the university and the current teams, so our fundraising efforts do not prioritize these areas. We understand that unexpected costs might arise with the teams, i.e. travel expenses for advancement in postseason play, so the board will consider supporting these types of team funding requests on a case by case basis. 

These include:

• Equipment and Uniforms: Essential mechanical gear and uniforms are funded by the university. 

• Playing Infrastructure: Maintenance and development of university property used for rugby.

• Referee Fees: Costs associated with officiating games.

• Team Fundraising and Dues: The current teams continue to conduct their own fundraising and collect dues, just as we did when we were on the team.

These funds are obtained through the teams working with the Student Government and REC Center leadership.

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How You Can Help

 

Donate

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of our players and the future of rugby at SIU. We offer monthly and yearly donation subscriptions that can be set up by clicking the link on our website.

 

Get Involved

Join us in our efforts by getting involved with the Southern Illinois Rugby Football Club Alumni, Inc. Opportunities include:

• Board Membership: Contribute your leadership and expertise by serving on our board.

• Serve on a Board Member Committee: Help organize events to support our mission or just attend a fundraising event.

• Mentorship: Mentor young players and share your experience and knowledge.

Your involvement is invaluable and helps us build a stronger, more vibrant rugby community.

 

Our Commitment to Transparency

We are dedicated to ensuring that every dollar raised is used effectively and responsibly. Regular updates on our progress and detailed reports on how funds are allocated will be provided to all donors and supporters.

 

Thank You for Your Support

Your support means the world to us. Together, we can preserve the legacy of rugby at SIU and inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of the game. Thank you for being a part of our journey.