Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Established in 2023, the Sapphire Circle is the exclusive major giving society for MTSU Athletics and was created to inspire philanthropy and recognize MTSU’s most generous athletics donors. Through generous gifts of $25,000 or more, this group provides the critical financial investments necessary to recruit and retain world class student-athletes and coaches while positioning MTSU to be the dominant leader in our conference while enhancing our brand nationally.
The establishment of the Sapphire Circle is a response to the unwavering philanthropic support of Blue Raiders fans. It represents the next step forward as we recognize our past and position ourselves for sustained excellence in the future.
Membership Levels
As the premier group of Blue Raider Athletic Association members, the Sapphire Circle includes donors who make philanthropic major gift commitments to Capital Projects and/or Athletic Endowments. Membership eligibility also includes Planned Gifts exceeding $100,000 and comprehensive Lifetime Giving to Athletics of $1,000,000 or more.
Invitation to the Sapphire Circle is exclusively for those who make multi-year pledges of $25,000 or more in support of MTSU Athletics, above and beyond any priority ticket or parking commitments. Active membership are five-year terms and are based on pledge commitments with a variety of flexible payment options including monthly, quarterly or annual payments. These philanthropic gifts are 100% tax deductible.
Recognition & Stewardship
As a dedicated fan and supporter of MTSU Athletics, you have the opportunity to make an immediate and transformational impact on the success of the Blue Raiders by joining the Sapphire Circle.
While the Sapphire Circle is philanthropic in nature, members will enjoy exclusive and unique stewardship opportunities through an elevated concierge experience focused on deeper, more meaningful engagement with MTSU Athletics.
These opportunities may include, but are not limited to:
- exclusive VIP event invitations
- game day sideline access
- unique team experiences
- access to naming opportunities
- exclusively branded swag to represent your transformational commitment
*Some experiences and/or events may require additional registration and/or fees.
Areas of Support
Through their philanthropic gifts, Sapphire Circle members will progressively enhance MTSU’s championship capacity across all varsity sports. The current priority is to support the Build Blue Campaign, an effort to provide all 17 sport programs with the resources and facilities to remain competitive in collegiate athletics.
Additional Athletics Funding Opportunities:
- Capital Projects (Outdoor Tennis Complex, Peterson Champions Plaza, etc.)
- Scholarship Endowments
- Operational Endowments
- Future Initiatives
Why Now?
Funds raised through the Sapphire Circle are crucial in providing the resources to make real time decisions, elevating MTSU Athletics to competitive levels nationally and as a leader within the Group of Five. Investments received today will pay dividends for the future of MTSU Athletics' pursuit of championships. These additional funds are critical for:
- RECRUITING/COMPETITIVENESS – It enhances our ability to recruit elite-level athletes, coaches and staff in a highly competitive intercollegiate athletics field
- STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPERIENCE – helps elevate our student-athlete experience by providing them with championship-level facilities and training/development resources
- FAN EXPERIENCE – we are committed to assuring our alumni, students, and fans have the best entertainment experience
- REVENUE – enhancing our facilities helps ensure a top-rate fan experience and in turn helps to maintain our season ticket renewal rate and attract new season ticket holders – all critical to supporting our 17 sports programs
Ways to Give
- Cash/Liquid Assets -- A gift of cash or check are the most popular ways of supporting Blue Raider Athletics. Make your check payable to the BRAA and mail it to: BRAA | MTSU Box 576 | Murfreesboro, TN 37132
- Credit Cards and Electronic Fund Transfer – A one-time or recurring bank draft or gift using your credit card can be set up by calling 615-898-2210.
- Corporate Matching Gifts – Many companies will match the gifts of their employees to qualifying charities. Some double or triple the amount of your gift. Your company’s Human Resources Department can provide details and the matching gift form to include with your payment.
- Securities/Stock Transfers – Your gift of appreciated stock is tax-deductible and helps you avoid long-term capital gains tax. It is typically to your advantage to transfer appreciated securities to the BRAA directly rather than selling them and giving cash. Please contact our office at 615-898-2210 for instructions on making this transfer. Even if you have given stock previously, please notify our office so that your stock is transferred to the appropriate designation, and you receive proper tax credit.
- Real Estate – The BRAA accepts gifts of real estate, including private residences, farms, commercial property, and land. Each gift is unique, and we encourage you to discuss your options with our office as well as your personal financial or tax advisor since a variety of tax benefits may be available.
- Bequests/Wills – leaving money to the University through your will or trust is the most popular estate planning option. With a provision in your will, a donor can make a significant gift that may not have been possible during his or her lifetime. It also provides valued support after annual giving ends. An estate-tax charitable deduction for the entire amount of the gift is allowed. Click here for more information on creating a will for free, compliments of MTSU Foundation.
- Retirement Plan Assets – one may avoid heavy taxation of retirement funds and support MTSU Athletics by designating the University as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401K or other retirement vehicle. Since these funds have not been taxed, these assets may be the best resource to designate for charitable purposes. Lifetime transfers from IRAs or Roth IRAs are possible for donors who are 70 1/2 years or older.
- Charitable Remainder Trust – one may create a trust agreement in which you can transfer assets and retain income. When the payment period ends, the BRAA receives a gift. Funding the trust with long-term appreciated assets generates no capital gains tax liability on the transfer.
