Kick-Start Your Alumni Support with US Rugby Foundation Program
Kick-Start Your Alumni Support with US Rugby Foundation Program
There is still time for college rugby programs to apply for the US Rugby Foundation's Collegiate Alumni Activation Jumpstart Program.
This initiative is designed to empower collegiate men's and women's rugby alumni associations across the United States by significantly enhancing their alumni engagement, fundraising capabilities, and overall program sustainability.
The grant program, developed in partnership with Madak, a leading rugby marketing agency, offers a comprehensive, four-month process designed to provide selected collegiate rugby programs with strategic guidance and a clear roadmap for growth. Recipients will undergo a multi-step journey, starting with an in-depth onboarding assessment, followed by intensive analysis and strategy sessions, culminating in recommendations and a recalibration session.
The potential results for participating programs are far-reaching.
With the help of the Jumpstart program, college teams can develop:
• Expanded Alumni Involvement: Building robust volunteer networks and mentorship opportunities across generations.
• Substantial Fundraising Growth: Driving financial contributions through structured giving campaigns.
• Elevated Program Visibility: Enhancing reputation and competitive opportunities within the collegiate landscape.
• Strengthened Legacy: Preserving program tradition and culture through intentional storytelling.
• Increased Recruitment: Attracting higher-quality student-athlete prospects through strategic alumni networking.
• Secured Institutional Support: Demonstrating alignment with university goals to gain greater administrative recognition.
"Our goal at Madak is to empower rugby organizations to reach their full potential, and this grant program is a direct reflection of that commitment," said Adam Lejeunekopp, CEO of Madak. "We've seen firsthand the transformative power of activated alumni networks, and we're thrilled to bring our proven methodology to more collegiate programs alongside the US Rugby Foundation."
Eligible recipients must be collegiate men's or women's rugby programs with established 501(c)(3) non-profit alumni associations, committed boards, and a readiness to invest in their long-term advancement. The grant application is open now until August 31 and available to five programs in 2025.
Additionally, in September 2025, Madak and the US Rugby Foundation will release a complimentary PDF resource, a "playbook" for all collegiate
alumni associations, offering valuable insights even to those not selected for the grant.
For more information about the Collegiate Alumni Activation Grant Program and to apply, please visit https://www.usrugbyfoundation.org/collegiate-alumni-grant
