Each April the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund begins its Annual Fund Drive with the intention of renewing all of the previous year's members and cultivating and soliciting new members. It is the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund's goal to have all contributions turned in by July 1 of the current fund drive year. At the very least, a donor should have his/her pledge submitted to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund at that time (although the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund requests this be done in February). Doing so will help facilitate the renewal process of season tickets and parking; this is the case even if you are only a men's basketball season ticket holder.

It is also important to submit your contribution by July 1 because each June the Department of Athletics transfers funds from the ISU Foundation to the University to help offset costs associated with scholarships (which includes room & board, books and other fees) for our 400+ student-athletes. Scholarship costs for the 2009-2010 academic school year have been budgeted at $2.85 million. Illinois State University does not receive state appropriated funds to operate its intercollegiate department of athletics. Therefore, aside from student fees and a small amount of income fund, Illinois State Athletics must operate solely from the revenue it generates (revenue comes in the form of tickets sold, private donations and corporate sponsorships, etc.).

Be a Member of the 20th Team:
Generous personal contributions are vital in assisting Redbird Athletics in its goal of providing student-athletes with a fantastic educational and athletic experience at ISU, but WSF members who want to help above and beyond financial giving can take the next step and be a member of the 20th Team. The Weisbecker Scholarship Fund relies on Fund Drive Volunteers each spring to assist in the identification of new members and the cultivation of new revenue to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund. To see how you can become a member of the 20th Team or to inquire about additional information please, contact the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund.

Reach One Program
Presented in the spring of 2008, the Reach One Program is an opportunity for WSF members to increase their Priority Point total without contributing cash gifts. By recruiting new members to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund, and "reaching one" (or more), a WSF member will receive 1 Priority Point for each new WSF member recruited in a given year and 1 Priority Point per $100 of new monies raised in that given year. Points generated in this fashion will permanently be placed in the member's Priority Point total and are applicable to all benefits (parking, seating, post-season seat allocation, etc.). Not only will you be helping your Priority Points total, you'll be assisting Redbird Athletics grow membership in the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund.