Frequently asked questions about the Catamount Club ...
What is the Catamount Club?
The Catamount Club is the fundraising organization that supports Western Carolina Athletics by raising private donations to support WCU's 16 intercollegiate athletic programs. The primary mission of the Catamount Club is to provide the necessary financial resources so that each of our student-athletes is able to compete at a high level and earn a college education.
Why join the Catamount Club?
By contributing to the Catamount Club, you are helping to provide our student-athletes with the necessary resources to excel in their sport and making a true impact on their lives.
Why are contributions needed?
The athletic program at Western Carolina is required to be self-supporting. No state dollars go to athletic programs in North Carolina. We currently support 16 varsity programs. We depend on funds generated by corporate sponsorships, gate receipts, game guarantees, student athletic fees, and private donations to fund Catamount Athletics.
This is where the Catamount Scholarship Fund plays a crucial role. Catamount Club funds provide the necessary funding to supplement the athletic department's other forms of external revenue.
What are the benefits of joining the Catamount Club?
In addition to helping to provide our student-athletes with the necessary resources, there are tangible benefits depending on the level donors receive on an annual basis. Benefits include, but are not limited to: preferred seating at home football and basketball games, preferred parking for Catamount Football, quarterly newsletters with updates on Catamount athletics, pre-game football events and basketball hospitality.
Do endowments or capital gifts count toward your annual level contribution?
No, endowment and capital gifts do not count toward Catamount Club membership. These gifts are above and beyond your Catamount Club annual donation, however, they are tax deductible.
