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The Cardinal Varsity Club (CVC) is the heartbeat of Ball State Athletics. Through philanthropic giving via the Ball State Foundation, your 100% tax-deductible gifts provide the essential resources our 450+ student-athletes need to excel in the classroom, in competition, and in life.

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Academic Success

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Lifelong Impact

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Competitive Excellence

Cardinal Excellence Fund

As the area of greatest need, the Cardinal Excellence Fund allows Ball State Athletics to invest where it matters most — from academic support and sports medicine to facility improvements — ensuring all programs are positioned for sustained success.

Support the Cardinal Excellence Fund

Sport Championship Funds

Support the team that matters most to you. Sport Championship Funds give you the opportunity to invest directly in a program’s greatest needs — from equipment and travel to recruiting and the overall student-athlete experience.

Support Sport Championship Funds

Why Give?

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Scholarships
Opening doors for student athletes.

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Nutrition & Wellness
Fueling performance & health.

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Career Development
Life after the game.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • We invite you to continue your essential support through the Ball State Foundation. These gifts are 100% tax-deductible and dedicated entirely to the holistic development of our student-athletes—from championship performance initiatives (sports medicine, mental well-being, strength and conditioning) to academic scholarships.  
  • In the past, parking was often bundled with a donation. Moving forward, parking will be treated as a direct purchase from the Athletics Ticket Office. This shift ensures that the revenue needed to manage game-day facilities and operations stays within Athletics, while your Foundation gift funds scholarships, nutrition, and academic support. 
  • No. CVC membership is based on philanthropic giving to the Ball State Foundation. Because parking and ticket purchases are transactional (you are receiving a specific service in exchange for payment), they do not count as charitable gifts. However, these purchases are vital operating income that helps our teams compete at the highest level.
  • Your gift to the Cardinal Excellence Fund or a specific sport fund will be used to support student-athletes holistically. This includes: 
    • Scholarships and Academic Support: Ensuring our students graduate with a world-class degree. 
    • Mental Health & Wellness: Providing medical and psychological care. 
    • Nutrition: Fueling our athletes for championship performance. 
    • Excellence: Empowering our athletes to thrive in the modern era of sports.
  • No. Our receptions and exclusive donor experiences are managed by the Ball State Foundation (via the CVC). These experiences are designed to steward our philanthropic partners. To participate in these exclusive opportunities, a gift to the Cardinal Excellence Fund, a specific sport fund or other Athletics fund is required.
      • Yes. As we prioritize every available resource toward student-athlete nutrition and wellness, we are shifting our stewardship focus. The Foundation will continue to host exclusive, high-impact experiences and receptions, but we are moving away from frequent, trade-based hospitality. By hosting fewer, more intentional events, we ensure that the trade and local partnerships previously used for donor catering are redirected to where they matter most: fueling our student-athletes. 

Athletics Engagement

Philanthropy
Michelle Johnson
Senior Director of Athletics Engagement
 Ryan Vaughn
 Director of Development for Athletics



Chloe Turner
Associate Director of Athletics Engagement
Kyle Kedra
Associate Director of Philanthropy Experience, Athletics