Central Virginia Times

The Virginia Athletics Foundation's usual fundraising and social events have been hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the group about 12% short of its fundraising goal this year. 

However, plenty of online opportunities remain to support University of Virginia student-athletes, according to information on the foundation's website.

The 10,000-member-plus Virginia Athletics Foundation provides financial investments that helps "position our teams to successfully compete both at the national and conference levels," the foundation says on the about page of its website.

"Today there are 750 student-athletes in 27 intercollegiate programs at the University of Virginia. Our generous donors help to fully fund all 316.6 scholarships allowed by the NCAA, the athletics academic affairs program, summer school for student-athletes and a portion of the athletics operational budget that includes recruiting costs, team travel and equipment."

COVID-19 has put a damper on much of the foundation's fundraising and social activities. This year's 2020 Spring Social Tour had to be canceled due to the pandemic. The foundation, as of Dec. 11 - the latest figure posted to the foundation's website - raised a little more than $17.6 million, about 88% of this year's goal of $20 million.

However, a couple of weeks remain in 2020, and the foundation maintains a "Guide to Giving" page that describes the foundation's fundraising needs and goals, and the impact donors have on student-athletes’ experiences.

At the top of that page is The Annual Fund, which includes gifts provided by university fans, alumni, student-athlete alumni, friends and businesses, according to the Guide to Giving page.

"Each year more than 9,200 individuals make the commitment to be members of the Virginia Athletics Foundation," the Guide to Giving page says about The Annual Fund. "The financial investment of VAF members helps position our teams to successfully compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and on the national stage."

Other online giving options include programs and initiatives, endowment, and how to make a gift.