University of Mount Union

Leveling the Playing Field: Supporting Purple Raider Student-Athletes

Purple Raider Athletics has long been recognized as one of the premier NCAA Division III athletic programs in the nation. That success is built on a strong foundation: exceptional student-athletes, outstanding coaches, a commitment to excellence, and generations of supporters who invest in the student-athlete experience.

Philanthropic support has helped Mount Union provide championship-caliber facilities, equipment, travel opportunities, and resources that allow our student-athletes to compete at the highest level while pursuing a life-changing education.

Today, supporters have more ways than ever to invest in Purple Raider Athletics. Whether you choose to make a tax-deductible gift to a team or program or support student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, your generosity helps strengthen the Purple Raider experience and position Mount Union for continued success in an evolving collegiate athletics landscape.
 
Ways to Support Purple Raider Athletics

Make a Tax-Deductible Gift to a Team or Athletic Program
Support the team(s) and programs that matter most to you. Gifts can help fund facility enhancements, equipment purchases, uniforms, team travel, recruiting efforts, and other program priorities.

https://giving.mountunion.edu/pages/home-2696

Support an Individual Student-Athlete Through NIL
Contribute directly to eligible Purple Raider student-athletes participating in Opendorse NIL opportunities.

https://opendorse.com/mountunion-purpleraiders

Support a Team's NIL Efforts
Help create NIL opportunities for student-athletes on a specific team.

https://biz.opendorse.com/connect-with-athletes/
 
What's the Difference?
 

Tax-Deductible Athletic Gift	NIL Contribution
Made directly to the University of Mount Union	Made through Mount Union's NIL partner, Opendorse
Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law	Not tax deductible
Supports the athletic program or team selected by the donor	Supports student-athlete NIL opportunities
Can fund facilities, equipment, uniforms, travel, recruiting, and other program needs	Compensates student-athletes for NIL activities and agreements
Funds are managed by the University and spent at the discretion of the head coach	Funds are distributed through Opendorse in accordance with NIL guidelines

 
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)?
NIL stands for a student-athlete's right to benefit from the use of their name, image, and likeness. Examples include social media promotions, advertising, appearances, endorsements, and other activities where a student-athlete is compensated for the use of their personal brand.

Why is NIL important?
Since NIL opportunities became available in 2021, they have become an important part of the college athletics landscape.

While NIL at the Division III level often looks different than what is portrayed in national headlines, it still provides student-athletes meaningful opportunities to benefit from their personal brand and engagement with supporters. NIL is now part of the overall student-athlete experience and contributes to maintaining a competitive and attractive environment for current and prospective Purple Raiders.

What is the difference between an NIL contribution and a tax-deductible athletic donation?
A tax-deductible athletic donation supports Mount Union Athletics and the team or program selected by the donor. These funds may be used for facilities, equipment, uniforms, travel, recruiting, and other program needs as determined by the head coach.

An NIL contribution supports student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities facilitated through Opendorse. NIL funds are used to compensate student-athletes for approved NIL activities and are not tax deductible.

Are student-athletes allowed to receive compensation?
Yes. NCAA rules allow student-athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, provided the arrangement complies with applicable NCAA requirements and institutional policies.

How do NIL opportunities work?
NIL opportunities may include activities such as social media promotions, marketing campaigns, appearances, content creation, community engagement activities, and other approved uses of a student-athlete's name, image, and likeness.

Student-athletes receive compensation in exchange for completing agreed-upon NIL activities.

Do all student-athletes receive the same NIL compensation?
No. NIL opportunities vary based on the specific agreement, activity, time commitment, and participation involved. Compensation may differ from one student-athlete to another depending on the nature of the NIL activity.

What rules govern NIL activities?
NIL activities must comply with NCAA rules and institutional policies. In general:

• Student-athletes must perform an activity or service in exchange for compensation.
• Compensation cannot be tied to athletic performance.
• Compensation cannot be used as a recruiting inducement.
• NIL arrangements must comply with applicable NCAA and institutional requirements

Which option should I choose?
If you want to support the overall success of a team and give coaches flexibility to address the program's greatest needs, a tax-deductible gift to Mount Union Athletics may be the best choice.

If you want to help create NIL opportunities that directly benefit student-athletes through their name, image, and likeness, consider supporting NIL through Opendorse.

Many Purple Raider supporters may choose to participate in both, creating a comprehensive investment in the success of Mount Union student-athletes and athletic programs.