Penn State University has set new fundraising records in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, collecting an unprecedented $369.5 million in outright donations from over 235,000 donors. Highlights include a record-breaking $17.7 million raised by the student-led THON, and a University-best $1.7 million contributed by nearly 9,700 donors on GivingTuesday. Corporate and foundation gifts totaled $125.8 million, while Penn State Athletics and the Nittany Lion Club brought in a record $164.9 million, largely supporting the Beaver Stadium renovation and student-athlete programs. The year also saw 19 major gifts of $5 million or more, including an anonymous $8.5 million bequest to the College of Engineering. Building on this momentum, Penn State is preparing to launch its next major philanthropic campaign in 2026 publicly, focused on expanding access to education, research, outreach, and fulfilling its land-grant mission.
Perfect Game has launched the Believe in Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at expanding access to youth travel baseball for underprivileged children. Led by Commissioner Dennis Gilbert, a longtime figure in baseball philanthropy, the foundation seeks to remove financial barriers by offering aid, equipment grants, and partnerships with local teams. Backed by tax-deductible donations, it addresses the high costs of youth baseball—averaging over $1,100 annually—making the sport more inclusive. The foundation’s official launch event is set for January 31, 2026, at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, hosted by actor and board member Ian Ziering. By leveraging Perfect Game’s influence in youth baseball development, the initiative aims to create lasting community impact and greater equity in the sport.
Have a nice week!
LIVE GENEROUSLY!
Roy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER NEWS
SPORTS PHILANTHROPY NEWS FOR THE WEEK
TOP STORIES FROM WEEK ENDING JULY 21, 2025
July 16 – UH football picked to finish 7th in Mountain West preseason poll
July 17 – In the Sport-light: News from Hull’s wide world of sports
July 17 – Gymnast competes again with help from sports psychologist
July 17 – ‘It is very surreal’: Surfing to be official state championship sport in 2026
July 17 – U.S. Soccer Stars Honored At 2025 ESPY Awards
July 18 – Distinguished former Clemson player and coach dies
July 19 – Penn State breaks fundraising records
July 20 – Chaska Cubs Having a Successful Summer
July 21 – Perfect Game Launches Foundation to Transform Youth Baseball Accessibility
July 21 – ‘We want to buy railway sports centre we’ve used since 1926’
July 21 – Fox Sees New Ad Dollars for Sports, News, Streaming in Latest Upfront Close
July 21 – Golfin’ with Goldie at Upper Deck Golf at Fenway! An Iconic Golf Experience Like No Other
MOTIVATION FOR THE WEEK
HUMOR FOR THE WEEK
JOB BOARD
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Assistant Director, Live Events/TerpVision – University of Maryland
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Volleyball JV Head Coach – West Lincoln High School, Lincolnton, NC
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Youth Sports Content Assistant – Cleveland Cavaliers, Pittsburgh, PA
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Intern – NBC Sports Next (Customer Success / Sales / Technology), remote
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Athlete Engagement Insights Strategist – Dick’s Sporting Goods, remote
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Volunteer Coach – Phoenix Union HS District, Metro Tech HS, Phoenix, AZ
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Summer Sports Camp Assistant Coach – Proviso Township HS District 209 (IL)
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WMS Boys Track & Field Head Coach (Seasonal) – Traverse City Area Public Schools, MI
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CHS Girls Varsity Assistant (JV Head) Soccer Coach – Traverse City, MI
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WSH Varsity Assistant/JV Head Baseball Coach – Traverse City, MI
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