Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2023-24
To Our Donors
The 2023-24 fiscal year stands as another extraordinary chapter in our history, marked by milestones that continue to elevate Texas A&M Athletics. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we celebrated the completion of transformational facility projects, welcomed new leadership and supported championship success across multiple programs — all while embracing new opportunities to strengthen our impact.
As part of this progress, the 12th Man Foundation has expanded its efforts in the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly with name, image and likeness (NIL). Through strategic sponsorship agreements and fundraising initiatives, we have created innovative ways for donor support of the Annual Fund to provide student-athletes with opportunities to engage with and promote our mission while benefiting from their NIL. This approach has proven to be an effective way for donors to support Texas A&M’s success in recruiting and retaining top talent.
One of the year’s major highlights was the completion of several new facilities made possible by $123 million in donor contributions to the Centennial Campaign. These projects include the Coolidge Football Performance Center, renovations to the Bright-Slocum Center for Texas A&M Football at Graham Athletic Complex and the R.A. ‘Murray’ Fasken ’38 Indoor Track & Field. Additionally, the debut of 23 new premium suites in Kyle Field’s south end zone for the 2023 season further enhanced the gameday experience at one of college football’s premier venues. These facility enhancements will provide student-athletes and coaches with the resources they need to compete at the highest level now and into the future.
In March 2024, Texas A&M welcomed Trev Alberts as its new Director of Athletics, whose leadership promises to shape the future of Aggie Athletics. The 12th Man Foundation stands ready to support his vision and commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities for student-athletes, both in competition and in their personal development.
As part of our storied history, we commenced our 75th anniversary celebration in April 2024, marking three-quarters of a century of steadfast partnership with Texas A&M Athletics. Adding to this remarkable year, the Aggie Women’s Tennis team made history in May 2024 by securing its first national championship. This momentous achievement exemplifies the championship culture that our donors’ unwavering support helps foster across all athletic programs.
During the 2023-24 fiscal year, the 12th Man Foundation transferred $139.2 million to Texas A&M Athletics, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to funding championship athletics. Additionally, our donors provided crucial funding to the athletics department for coaching transition costs and raised over $3.5 million toward renovations to the George P. Mitchell ’40 Tennis Center.
Reflecting on 2023-24, the dedication of our donors remains unrivaled. This is not lost on the 12th Man Foundation staff as we work to service and steward every donor within our organization at the highest possible level. Your generous commitment is the cornerstone of our mission to fund scholarships, programs and facilities in support of championship athletics.
Gig 'em!
Travis Dabney '96
President & CEO
The 12th Man Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with Texas A&M University. As a nonprofit, we remain mission-focused in our efforts to fund scholarships, programs and facilities in support of championship athletics at Texas A&M. The 12th Man Foundation also serves as the primary ticket provider for Texas A&M Athletics
Since the organization was founded as The Aggie Club on April 2, 1950, dedicated donors have contributed more than $1.5 billion in support of Texas A&M Athletics. Through season tickets, annual donations and major gifts, our supporters have created a lasting legacy of generosity. This unwavering support has provided crucial resources and opportunities for generations of Aggie student-athletes.
2023-2024
Year in Review
Our Donors
Fund Championship Athletics
During the 2023-24 fiscal year, the 12th Man Foundation transferred
in essential funds to help operate the athletics department at a championship level.
This transfer included significant annual support to assist Texas A&M Athletics with football transition expenditures, which was made possible through the stewardship of donor dollars held in reserve to meet the need when called upon.
Texas A&M Athletics
Revenue Sources
Note: Donor Contributions & Gifts does not include contributions for facility projects as those revenue streams are outside of the athletic department's operations revenue streams.
12th Man Foundation donors and ticket buyers account for nearly half of Texas A&M Athletics' operating revenue sources.
Our Donors
Fund Scholarships
Aggie Athletics features more than 600 student-athletes across 20 sports, with approximately 80 percent receiving financial aid from the athletics department to attend Texas A&M University.
On average, it costs Texas A&M Athletics
per year to fund one in-state student-athlete scholarship. For out-of-state student-athletes, that cost increases to $83,170.
55%
In-State Tuition, Room, Board, Fees & Cost of Attendance
22%
Athletic performance & nutrition
9%
Academic support & development
7%
Sports
Medicine
7%
Equipment, Gear
& Uniforms
Percentages in the chart above are based on the average annual in-state student-athlete scholarship cost.
“ ” I am fortunate to receive a scholarship. The support of 12th Man Foundation donors has been extraordinary for me and my family.
Randy Bond '24
Aggie Football Student-Athlete
About Randy
FY23-24
Total Annual Scholarship Costs
Aggie student-athletes continued to raise the bar in the classroom during the 2023-24 academic year, setting a school record 87% Graduation Success Rate in December 2023.
The 1922 Fund represents the 12th Man Foundation's desire to permanently endow scholarships for all Aggie student-athletes.
Donors have pledged more than $19.8 million in support of student-athlete scholarship endowments to the 1922 Fund since its inception in 2015.
Learn More12th Man Foundation
Revenue & Support
Pledges and Contributions
These revenue sources help fund scholarships, programs and facilities in support of championship athletics at Texas A&M.
Annual Contributions
Season Ticket Contributions and Philanthropic Gifts
Football season
ticket Contributions
77%
Philanthropic
Gifts
18%
Other Sports Season Ticket Contributions
5%
Annual contributions to the 12th Man Foundation include philanthropic gifts as well as contributions tied to season ticket purchases.
Annual contributions make it possible for Texas A&M Athletics to support Aggie student-athletes with vital resources such as academic support, athletic training, sports medicine, mental health services, world-class facilities, elite coaches and marketing opportunities.
Expanded
Marketing
After discontinuing the 12th Man+ Fund in August 2023 due to new IRS guidance, the 12th Man Foundation adjusted its approach to supporting Texas A&M Athletics in the NIL era by expanding its marketing efforts through strategic sponsorships, including the acquisition of Aggie student-athlete talent to promote the organization.
Through unrestricted Annual Fund contributions, the 12th Man Foundation strengthened its marketing strategy, incorporating advertising and sponsorship agreements across multiple platforms. These efforts include signage at Texas A&M Athletics venues, video board promotions, fan website sponsorships, radio shows and student-athlete appearances at 12th Man Foundation events.
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the 12th Man Foundation invested over $4 million in external marketing, enhancing donor and fan engagement while providing student-athletes with valuable opportunities to further the organization’s mission.
Million
External marketing investment
Annual Giving
By The Numbers
Total active members
in the 2023 calendar year
Members with an Annual Philanthropic Contribution
Student
members
Young alumni
members
2024 Season Ticket
Commitment Process
With Aggie Football season tickets selling out for 2023, the 12th Man Foundation introduced a season ticket commitment process to offer prospective ticket holders the opportunity to express interest in 2024 season tickets by making a $25 per-seat commitment.
This commitment indicated intent to purchase but did not obligate participants or guarantee ticket availability. The opportunity to buy tickets depended on available inventory after the renewal period for current season ticket holders in spring 2024 and was based on priority point ranking as of March 1, 2024.
A total of 2,532 individuals made a commitment for season tickets. During the 2024 football seat selection process, nearly 40 percent converted their commitment into season tickets, resulting in 960 new season ticket holders and a total of 3,113 seats purchased. Season ticket inventory sold out during the process on May 13, 2024.
Season Ticket Commitments
New Season Ticket Holders
Seats Purchased
Capital Gifts & Endowments
Major Gifts
Major Gifts create a legacy between donors and Texas A&M Athletics while supporting capital projects, scholarships and specific programs.
Through Major Gifts, 12th Man Foundation donors contributed over $3.5 million in support of renovations to the George P. Mitchell '40 Tennis Center. The project will include upgrades to the locker rooms, player lounge and playing areas.
In addition, over $6 million was raised in support of the Football Excellence Fund to assist with transition costs under Head Coach Mike Elko.
Capital & Program Gifts
Endowments
Centennial Campaign Facility Projects
Bright-Slocum Center for Texas A&M Football at Graham Athletic Complex
A lead gift from Wayne Roberts '85 supported the renovation of the Bright-Slocum Center for Texas A&M Football at Graham Athletic Complex, with Roberts generously honoring former A&M coach R.C. Slocum through the facility's new name.
Coolidge Football Performance Center at Graham Athletic Complex
David Coolidge '87, a former member of the 12th Man Kickoff Team, reinforced his enduring commitment to Aggie Football by contributing a lead gift for the new Coolidge Football Performance Center at Graham Athletic Complex.
R.A. 'Murray' Fasken '38 Indoor Track & Field
The R.A. 'Murray' Fasken '38 Indoor Track & Field became a reality thanks to the generosity of lead gift donors Amy '84 and Tim Leach '82, who chose to honor an influential benefactor in Texas A&M's history with the facility naming.
Official Ticket Provider
for Texas A&M Athletics
For more than 21 years, the 12th Man Foundation has served as the official ticket provider for Texas A&M Athletics and has provided a seamless experience for all donors and a concierge-level experience for major gift donors, suite holders and premium seat holders.
Thanks to loyal Texas A&M ticket buyers, the 12th Man Foundation receipted and transferred $45.4 million in athletics event ticket revenue to Aggie Athletics.
Ticket Revenue
Ticket sales through the 12th Man Foundation are a vital part of Texas A&M Athletics' budget.
Aggie season ticket holders help make it possible for Kyle Field to feature the largest and best student section in all of college athletics.
Nearly 37,000 student sports passes were sold in 2024 and purchased at a record pace after being made available to current and incoming students on April 1.
Special Events
In June 2024, Texas A&M Athletics hosted two major events at Kyle Field - a MexTour soccer match between Mexico and Brazil and The King at Kyle Field concert featuring George Strait. Both were significant for Texas A&M, with the George Strait concert setting a new attendance record for a ticketed concert in the United States, drawing 110,905 fans.
As the official ticket provider for Texas A&M Athletics, the 12th Man Foundation managed the ticketing process for both events, including exclusive presales for donors.
12th Man Foundation
Program Services & Operating Expenditures
Program services, fundraising and general & administrative expenses
Program Services accounts for 86% of the 12th Man Foundation's annual expenditures, which represents transfers to or on behalf of Texas A&M Athletics as well as costs associated with ticket operations and donor programs in direct support of the 12th Man Foundation's mission.
Other operating expenditures, including fundraising and general & administrative costs, account for 14% of the 12th Man Foundation's annual expenditures, of which 25% represents external marketing arrangements to provide marketing opportunities for student-athletes.
Outstanding Obligations
The 12th Man Foundation has just under $500 million in outstanding commitments to Texas A&M Athletics for facilities and ongoing program needs.
This includes more than $307 million due in undiscounted principal and interest for the historic redevelopment of Kyle Field.