Grace University Athletics Giving Evolution

“More Than Giving. An Opportunity to Change Lives”

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The Talons Fund is the official giving program of Grace University Athletics—designed to support every student-athlete’s journey in faith, in the classroom, and in competition.

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At Grace, we believe opportunity should be earned—but also made possible. That’s where you come in.

 

MISSION

The Talons Fund is a unified giving and NIL-driven impact system designed to provide every Grace University student-athlete with the financial support, platform, and opportunity to succeed—academically, athletically, and spiritually.

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WHAT IS THE TALONS FUND?

The Talons Fund is a unified support system that combines:

• Scholarship Giving (tuition, housing, academic support)

• Athletic Resources (equipment, travel, training)

• Student-Athlete Opportunities (leadership, exposure, and personal growth)

All contributions go toward creating a complete college experience for our student-athletes—many of whom are first-generation students pursuing a life-changing degree.

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HOW YOUR SUPPORT MAKES AN IMPACT

Your investment directly helps provide:

• Education (Affordable tuition and academic support that keeps our athletes on track to graduate)

• Competition (Resources needed to compete at a national level—travel, equipment, and elite training)

• Stability (Housing and daily support that allow student-athletes to focus on their future)

• Opportunity (Exposure, development, and real-world experiences that prepare them for life beyond sports)

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A NEW ERA OF SUPPORT

College athletics is evolving—and so are we.

The Talons Fund also creates opportunities for student-athletes to grow their personal brand, represent the university, and gain valuable experience through structured, mission-driven initiatives. But at Grace, it’s not about individuals—it’s about everyone rising together.

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ONE FUND. ONE MISSION. ONE TEAM.

Unlike traditional models, The Talons Fund supports all Grace University student-athletes, while also allowing donors to give toward specific teams or initiatives that matter most to them. Every gift—big or small—moves the entire program forward.

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WHY IT MATTERS

At a small Christian university like Grace, resources don’t just enhance the experience—They create the opportunity.

Your support helps us:

• Open doors for student-athletes who otherwise may not have access to college

• Build a nationally competitive athletics program

• Develop leaders grounded in faith, discipline, and purpose

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BE PART OF THE RISE

This is more than athletics. This is more than giving. This is your chance to be part of something being built from the ground up—a program, a culture, and a future that will impact lives for generations.

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​THE CORE CONCEPT (WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT)

Most schools:

• NIL = pay athletes individually

• Donations = general athletics support

Disconnected. Transactional.

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THE TALONS FUND MODEL: UNIFIED SYSTEM

1. TALONS FUND (THE FOUNDATION)

• Centralized giving pool

• Funds ALL student-athletes

• Covers scholarships, operations, experience

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2. TALONS NIL COLLECTIVE (THE EDGE)

• Structured NIL-style benefits

• University-aligned opportunities

• Storytelling, branding, exposure

 

THE DIFFERENCE:

At Grace University, donors don’t just give…

They INVEST in the TOTAL STUDENT-ATHLETE ECOSYSTEM

• Academic success

• Athletic competition

• Life transformation

• Faith-driven purpose

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HOW IT WORKS (GAME-CHANGING STRUCTURE)

TIERED IMPACT SYSTEM

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LEVEL 1: GENERAL FUND (THE FOUNDATION)

• Supports ALL athletes

• Tuition scholarships

• Housing assistance

• Travel & competition

• Equipment & facilities

​“No athlete left behind.”

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LEVEL 2: SPORT-SPECIFIC GIVING

• Donors can allocate to:

  • Men’s Basketball

  • Baseball

  • Women’s Flag Football

  • Beach Volleyball

  • Men’s Soccer​

“Fuel the team you believe in.”

 

LEVEL 3: NIL IMPACT POOL

This is the innovation. Instead of random NIL deals:

Structured, compliant, mission-driven NIL distribution

​Funds used for:

• Athlete brand development

• Social media campaigns (TalonTV features, storytelling)

• Community engagement initiatives

• Ambassador roles for Grace U

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RESULT:

Every athlete receives:

• Baseline scholarship support

• Opportunity-based NIL earnings

• Exposure + development platform

 

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SHIFT (YOUR WHY!)

We are NOT asking for donations. We are offering:

1. INVESTMENT

• “Your investment helps build the program”

 

2. SPONSOR

• “Your brand grows with Grace”

 

3. IMPACT PARTNER

• “You change lives”​​​