Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you unveiling a modified annual giving program during these tough economic times?

There is a great need for funding and support of Miami University student-athletes - with scholarship costs annually exceeding more than $5 million. Active membership in the Red & White Club can be a small way to make a big difference in the life of a Miami student-athlete and to have a true impact on his/her time at Miami.

Why is the Red & White Club changing?

The Red & White Club is implementing a variety of new benefits and programs in an effort to increase scholarship funding to benefit Miami student-athletes. Miami fans have proven to be a loyal group. The changes are being implemented to encourage other like-minded fans to step forward and make a difference in the lives of Miami student-athletes.

How are membership levels set?

Membership levels are determined by your giving to the Red & White Club during the course of each fiscal year for the next year. You may make one gift during that time to set your membership level, or, you may contribute multiple times to set your membership level. Either way, all gifts must be contributed toward the Red & White Club Scholarship Fund.

Does giving to RWC mean I am part of the For Love and Honor Campaign?

All non-planned gifts to Miami University Athletics gifted between now and the end of 2010 count toward the For Love and Honor Campaign. Some planned gifts also count toward the campaign as well, depending on a variety of factors that can be discussed directly with the RWC office or Miami University Office of Advancement.

Why are you moving to a fiscal year?

The Red & White Club is moving from anniversary giving (each donor is sent a renewal a year after the month he/she joints) to a fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Benefits of moving to a fiscal year include providing a definitive time period to determine active membership, as well as meeting the key date when scholarships must be allocated.

Why is the focus of the RWC now on scholarships?

Currently, the Miami University Athletic scholarship bill is more than $5 million, annually, and rising. Helping cover scholarship costs is one of the Athletic Departments' greatest areas of need. Actually, Red & White Club funding has been earmarked for scholarship for the last several years. This clarifies the focus.

Why are there different deadlines for gifts for 2009?

Since this is a year of transition, any gift that is required for football, men's or women's basketball, or hockey is due by a specified date this year. By the end of this year, and moving forward, gifts must be paid in full (not pledged) by the conclusion of the fiscal year (June 30).

What do the Loyalty Points mean?

The Loyalty Points program is a way for Miami University Athletics to fairly assign and allocate benefits based on a donor's historical, all-around support of the athletic program. The more vested you are, or have been, as a donor and season ticket holder, the more you are rewarded with loyalty points.

What types of applications does a Loyalty Points program have?

Loyalty Points will allow us to fairly allocate benefits. For example, should Miami play in the postseason for any of our ticket sports, seat locations will be assigned first to Red & White Club members who qualify to purchase tickets based on their giving levels - with the best locations going to those with the highest number of Loyalty Points.

Why are you waiting a year to implement the Loyalty Points program?

Creating an accurate Loyalty Points program is important to the Red & White Club. The upcoming year will afford Miami University Athletics, as well as our donors and fans, the opportunity to assess point totals and review questions regarding the Loyalty Points program.

When do I receive my benefits?

Benefits are filled AFTER the fiscal year is complete. For example, if you give during September of 2009, you will receive your benefits in the first few months of the fiscal year (July 1-June 30) beginning in 2010.

If I make a gift to RWC, does it count toward my University giving level?

Yes. Gifts made to the Red & White Club do count toward your University giving level.

If I give to restricted account, does it count for RWC membership (or endowment, etc.)?

Restricted gifts for specific sports, endowments or capital projects are greatly appreciated but do not count toward membership. You will receive Loyalty Point credit for those gifts. Active membership in the Red & White Club is only based on gifts made for Red & White Club scholarships.

Why do young alumni get a membership discount?

Young alumni, or those individuals who have undergraduate degrees from Miami in the last 10 years, are receiving a discount to encourage membership while starting a professional career. This will help encourage recent graduates to give back, make a difference and be a part of the team.

If I am required to make a gift for parking in football and have courtside seats in basketball, does my total gift to the Red & White Club need to be both gift amounts added together?

No. A gift made for preferred seating or parking in one sport also counts toward the gift for preferred seating or parking in another sport.

If I do not contribute to the Red & White Club in a given year, how will that hurt my Loyalty Points?

You will lose your points provided for years of consecutive giving, resetting that figure to zero. While you will not lose your other Loyalty Points for your previous gifts, years as a season ticket holder, etc., your points are only active when your membership in the Red & White Club is active.

I typically give to the Red & White Club each December. Does that have to change?

No. You can continue to give to the Red & White Club each December and remain an active member. In fact, you can give at any point in time during the fiscal year (July 1-June 30) to become or remain an active member of the Red & White Club.

Why are you going to mail membership solicitations multiple times a year?

Historically, the Red & White Club has mailed renewal solicitations on a month-by-month basis for anniversary giving. Moving to a quarterly solicitation cycle will help improve efficiency and our cost-effectiveness.

Can I earmark my funding toward a specific sport/scholarship and have it count for active membership?

Yes. While the greatest area of need is for unrestricted scholarship support, you may earmark your gift to the Red & White Club toward a sport or sports and it will be used to defer scholarship costs for identified sport(s).

Why should I join the Red & White Club?

Your gift DOES make a difference in the lives of Miami student-athletes. Membership to the Red & White Club, at any active level, will directly support the annual scholarship needs of our student-athletes.

How long does my membership last?

Red & White Club gifts are based on the fiscal year. For example, gifts given from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 will count toward membership benefits for the 2010-11 year.

What benefits do I receive as a member?

Depending on membership level, Red & White Club members have exclusive opportunities for postseason tickets, priority parking, and unique access to Miami coaches and student-athletes.

Is my gift tax deductible?

The Red & White Club encourages all members to consult their tax advisor, but all gifts to the Red & White Club are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Benefits awarded effect the tax-deductibility of your gift. Benefits may be waived when renewing or joining to ensure a maximum tax deduction.

If I give to an endowed scholarship or facility project, do I receive Red & White Club membership?

While Miami University Athletics greatly appreciates these gifts, these contributions do not count toward Red & White Club membership. However, you will receive Loyalty Point credit for these gifts.

Since I played tennis at Miami, I would like to contribute to the tennis program, but also would like to join the Red & White Club. Can I do both?

Yes! You are able to `earmark' your gift toward a specific sport's annual scholarship support. This means that your Red & White Club contribution will go toward tennis scholarship for that year.

I have been a season ticket holder for years, but I am not a current RWC member. Do I have Loyalty Points?

You have Loyalty Points, but they may only be used by active RWC members. To remain active, you must give during each fiscal year at the minimum required level.

A Guide to NCAA Rules and Regulations

For more information about the Red & White Club, or if you're interested in other ways of providing support for Miami student-athletes, please contact the Athletic Development Office at (513) 529-8097 or email us at RWClub@muohio.edu.