Colorado athletics receives $6 million gift from Crawford family

The Colorado athletic department received a record-breaking financial gift set to boost the department's present and future.

Through the Crawford Family Foundation, alum Jeff Crawford and his wife, Orsi, have committed $6 million to CU athletics over the next three years with the aim of "enhacing the campus's visibility and momentum on the national stage."

Half of the gift will go toward the Athletic Director's Discretionary Fund, now the George Family Athletic Director's Fund, named after Athletic Director Emeritus Rick George. The fund supports everything in the changing college athletics landscape, from coaching staff resources to roster retention and revenue-sharing initiatives.

"Time and time again, the Crawford Family Foundation has supported CU student-athletes, and this generous investment is just the latest example," athletic director Fernando Lovo said in a press release. "I am so grateful… for their unwavering commitment to CU Athletics and to the success of our student-athletes."

For Colorado fans, the $3 million to the Athletic Director's Discretionary Fund will make the most impact on what they see on the field. Whether it be with NIL payments to bring in or retain top players or paying elite coaches,

The remaining portion will fund the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, a comprehensive model focused on wellness, academics, leadership, and life beyond sports. Since its launch in 2021, the program has become a cornerstone of CU's athlete development approach.

To succeed in college athletics, investments and gifts are becoming the lifeblood of universities' athletic departments, especially for football programs.

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