Asheville, NC, July 23, 2025
News Summary
The UNC Asheville athletics department has achieved a historic fundraising milestone, raising over $3.5 million for the academic year despite challenges. This marks their strongest year on record, with significant community support reflected in 2,007 gifts. A standout donation of $1.8 million contributed to significant projects, including the Jeff Fox Hitting Facility and an on-campus Tennis Facility. The department’s strategic vision aims for sustainability and growth, ensuring resources for student-athletes to thrive.
Asheville, NC – The UNC Asheville athletics department has achieved a historic fundraising milestone during a challenging year marked by setbacks including Hurricane Helene. Despite these obstacles, the department successfully raised over $3.5 million in annual giving for the 2024-25 academic year, marking its strongest fundraising year on record.
This impressive total represents an increase of nearly $1.2 million compared to the previous year’s total giving and is the first instance in which the athletics department has exceeded the $3 million threshold in its history. The fundraising efforts collected a remarkable 2,007 gifts throughout the year, reflecting the unprecedented support from the community.
Among the highlights of this fundraising achievement was a significant donation of $1.8 million, which is the largest gift in the program’s history. This donation was part of a larger $5 million contribution to the university’s Centennial Campaign. The annual Our Turn to Play event also made a considerable impact, generating nearly $75,000 more than the previous year, with a total increase of almost $164,000 from the 2023 event.
Major projects benefiting from the increased funding included the completion of the Jeff Fox Hitting Facility, the development of an on-campus Tennis Facility, and the installation of turf on the soccer field. Capital giving reached over $677,000, an increase from nearly $494,000 last year. Additionally, sport giving nearly doubled, with a total of $619,984.82 allocated to Asheville’s 16 collegiate teams.
Moreover, the athletics department achieved its largest number of gifts to date, totaling 1,205 gifts. This fundraising success is aligned with the department’s strategic vision termed “Dreaming Bigger and Achieving More,” which was introduced in the spring of 2023 and focuses on long-term sustainability and growth.
From the 2022-23 school year to the end of the 2024-25 school year, annual giving within the athletics department increased by over $1 million. Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone conveyed gratitude for the overwhelming support received, emphasizing how these contributions are vital for the longstanding success of the athletics programs.
Support and Community Impact
The generosity of the donors played a crucial role in ensuring the resilience and longevity of UNC Asheville’s athletic programs. This year’s record-breaking fundraising not only reflects a strong community endorsement but also ensures that resources are available for student-athletes to thrive both on and off the field.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the UNC Asheville athletics department aims to build on this year’s successes to further enhance its offerings and support its athletes. The continued commitment from donors and the community remains essential in pursuing the ambitious goals laid out in the recently launched strategic plan.
Key Features of the UNC Asheville Athletics Fundraising Success
| Feature | 2024-25 Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fundraising | $3.5 million |
| Annual Giving Increase | $1.2 million |
| Largest Gift Received | $1.8 million |
| Total Gifts Received | 2,007 |
| Capital Giving | $677,000 |
| Sport Giving | $619,984.82 |
FAQs
What is the total amount raised by the UNC Asheville athletics department?
The UNC Asheville athletics department raised over $3.5 million in annual giving for the 2024-25 academic year.
How much did annual giving increase from the previous year?
Annual giving increased by nearly $1.2 million compared to the previous year.
What was the largest individual donation received?
The largest gift was a $1.8 million donation, part of a larger $5 million contribution to the university.
How many donations were made during this fundraising period?
A total of 2,007 gifts were received throughout the year.
What are some of the projects funded by the raised amount?
Significant projects include the Jeff Fox Hitting Facility, an on-campus Tennis Facility, and turfing the soccer field.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Christ School Joins Nike EYBL Scholastic Conference
Dustin Hale Takes the Helm as Head Men’s Tennis Coach at UNC Asheville
UNC Asheville Launches Centennial Campaign with Historic Donation
Dustin Hale Appointed New Head Men’s Tennis Coach at UNC Asheville
Mark Klysner Appointed Head Coach of Tennessee Tech Men’s Tennis
Brendan O’Donnell Joins UNC Asheville as Assistant Coach
UNC Asheville Men’s Tennis Coach Matt Frost Resigns
Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Athletics Fundraising Achievements
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Asheville
- UNC Asheville Basketball Ticket Information
- Google Search: UNC Asheville Athletics
- UNC Greensboro Director of Athletics Contract Extension
- Google Scholar: UNC Asheville fundraising
- Hurricanes Donation to Asheville Hockey League
- Google News: Asheville sports
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
