History of the BDF

The Bulldog Foundation was created in 1933 to help Fresno State and our vital resource of youth become future leaders in family, community, business, government, arts, education and athletics. From 1933 to 1949, the support group was known as the "600 club". In 1950, the decision was made to incorporate as a non-profit fund raising organization and the name chosen was The Bulldog Foundation.

In 1972, the decision was made to hire the first full-time, permanent staff to organize an annual fund drive. Another major change was to offer ticket benefits as part of membership levels. Memberships grew from 843 in 1972 to nearly 4,000 currently. The number of Bulldog men and women scholar-athletes, receiving some portion of scholarship aid, is now over 420. The Bulldog Foundation provides nearly 40% of the University's annual Athletic Department income.

In 2005-2006, the incorporation of The Bulldog Foundation was expanded to include more components than just the annual fund. The expanded Bulldog Foundation is now supervised under a Board of Directors appointed by the University President with the existing trustees still conducting the annual scholarship fund drive. A major gift component for unrestricted funds has been added and is called the Green V Society. All approved Fresno State sport's clubs are also under the direction of the expanded Bulldog Foundation.

Since 1972, in athletic fund raising for Fresno State, Bulldog Foundation members have contributed over $76 million to scholarships, recruiting and special Athletic Department requests. Bulldog Foundation members have also purchased an additional $52 million in season tickets, and have, since 1980, been the core group in providing another $58 million for Bulldog athletic facility improvements. Since its inception, the Bulldog Foundation has had 118,000 members and has supported over 17,000 student-athletes with scholarship assistance.

It's not just dollars donated that makes The Bulldog Foundation unique and number one. Research shows a high percentage of members also support other University programs besides athletics. All eight academic schools at Fresno State benefit from the fact that students within those schools are there annually, with the help of Bulldog Foundation scholarship monies. Monies donated have also helped initiate nationally recognized student support services in academics, in counseling and treatment and in fifth year and summer school scholarship programs.

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