Panther Club Celebrates Record Fundraising Year, Announces Enhanced Membership Structure for FY26
7/24/2025 10:00:00 AM | General, Panther Club
PITTSBURGH – Fueled by the generosity and commitment of Panther Nation, the Panther Club had its most successful fundraising year to date, driven by the largest number of donors in Pitt Athletics history (16,063) and more than $19.9 million in total cash contributions—both all-time highs. Whether a first-time supporter or a longtime Panther Club member, the results speak for themselves: Pitt fans are investing in the future of Pitt Athletics and the success of our student-athletes.
"As we continue building toward a bold future for Pitt Athletics, the direct investment from our community is essential. The generosity, passion, and belief shown by our Panther Club members this year was truly inspiring," said Allen Greene, Director of Athletics. "It's more than just numbers. It's a reflection of a shared vision for competitive excellence and a commitment to our student-athletes. This level of support sets a new standard and provides the foundation we need to thrive in this new era of college athletics. We're incredibly grateful and energized by what lies ahead."
Panther Club donors continue to set the standard and drive the future of Pitt Athletics. Over the last five years, membership has grown by an average of 22% annually, rising from just over 7,000 donors in fiscal year 2021 to more than 16,000 this last year. This growth reflects our community's ability to invest in initiatives that fuel competitive success, including the re-introduced Athletic Director's Fund. A record 74 major gifts of $50,000 or more were secured, and The Script Society reached an all-time high with 56 new or renewed members—signaling continued momentum and growing confidence in Pitt Athletics' long-term vision.
"As we position ourselves to compete for championships in the ACC and on the national stage, this surge in philanthropic support directly impacts the experience and success of our student-athletes," said Lee Roberts, Executive Associate Athletic Director, Philanthropy and Engagement. "I'm especially proud of our Panther Club team for their commitment to building meaningful relationships across our Pitt community and thankful for all 16,063 donors who made the choice to support Pitt Athletics with a gift this year. Pitt Athletics is primed for success because of the support from our donors, which is more important than ever."
As the Panther Club celebrates this historic year, it remains committed to progress and innovation. With the launch of FY26, a redesigned membership structure is now in effect as of July 1, 2025:
- Membership now begins at a minimum annual contribution of $100. View full Panther Club membership levels and benefits here.
- Membership is now determined only by contributions directed to the Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund (SASF), Scholarship Seating Membership (SSM), or the Athletic Director's Fund.
Pitt is not only adapting to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and its new revenue-sharing model but also establishing a strong foundation for sustained success, powered by the dedication of Panther Club members, season ticket holders, Forever Panthers and Pitt fans.
For more information on supporting Pitt Athletics and joining the Panther Club, call us at 412.648.8889 or email pantherclub@athletics.pitt.edu.