Bear Backers is the fund-raising unit within the Athletic Department, and the University of California is very grateful for all the donations from its external constituencies. The following are just a few reminders of how donations must be processed to maintain compliant with the NCAA and Pac-10 guidelines.
As an approved "cashier" for the university:
-- All donations given to Cal Athletics must go through the Bear Backers in order to acknowledge the gift and assign credit to the various departments or sports programs.
-- It is not permissible to supplement coaching salaries by giving directly to a coach or sport program. Remember that all gifts must be processed through the Bear Backers and decisions as to the use of the funds rests with the Athletic Department when salaries are involved.
-- It is not permissible to directly fund any student-athlete in a sponsorship situation, such as summer tournament entry fees or individual expenses. Any assistance to student-athletes should be approved by the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance.
-- Funds may be earmarked or restricted for specific teams, coaches or scholarships (endowments) by donating through Bear Backers.
-- All donation checks should be make payable to UC Regents. Note the restrictions of the donation in the "memo" section of the check. For example, "Swimming Scholarship Endowment."
-- Designating a gift to a specific sports program or for any other purpose supports our efforts to take Cal athletic programs to "Number One" status.
Cal Athletics thanks you for all of your generous assistance and please know that much of our success now and in the future is a result of your strong support.
