Thanks to the strong support of Niner Nation, the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Foundation raised a record $2.257 million toward its annual fund, an increase of more than $600,000 from the 2020-21 campaign and approximately $235,000 over its goal of $2.022 million.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the Athletic Foundation has reported an increase in annual fund dollars. In addition, the 49er Club membership exceeded 2,200 individuals, a leap of more than 600 new members from 2021.
“The record-setting growth of our annual fund is a testament to the passion of Niner Nation," said 49ers Director of Athletics Mike Hill. “We have grown the fund by nearly 70% since 2018 thanks to our loyal supporters."
Charlotte's new fundraising record continues the wave of momentum that's included Charlotte's announcements of its EverGreen Athletics Facilities Master Vision and its upcoming move to the American Athletic Conference, now set for the 2023-24 season.
“Our fans have every reason to be excited about the trajectory of our program as we prepare to join the American Athletic Conference in 2023,” Hill added. “Continued growth of the annual fund will be critical to our success. With a record number of donors this year, it's inspiring to see the rapid expansion of our invested fan base.”
This past year, the 49ers led Conference USA with five league championships and in the past two years Charlotte has finished first or second in number of student-athletes named to the Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
In each of the past two years, Charlotte has posted C-USA's top average finish in the 49ers' 18 sports. During that span, seven different programs have won C-USA Championships while eight programs were represented in NCAA postseason competition.