Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

• What is the Matter of Pride Boosters?

The Matter of Pride Boosters is the main fundraising organization for EKU football.  Members of the Matter of Pride Boosters will help supply the funding needed for the football team’s operational budget and help carry on the success of the tradition rich EKU Colonel football program.
 

• How do I join the Matter of Pride Boosters?                                                                                          

To join the Matter of Pride Boosters, click here.
 

• What is the difference between the Matter of Pride Boosters and the Worn Cleat Club?

The Matter of Pride Boosters is comprised of all members of the EKU community that wish to support the football team and is the primary fundraiser for EKU football. The Worn Cleat Club is a letterman’s club that is comprised of ALL persons who played football, were managers, athletic trainers or coached football at EKU. The Worn Cleat Club may raise funds for football through special events (i.e. golf outings, raffles, etc) and drives, but the primary function of the Worn Cleat Club will be the promotion of fellowship, camaraderie and celebrating the rich tradition and heritage of EKU football through social events.
 

• If I am a member of the Worn Cleat Club (I played, managed, coached football or was an athletic trainer at EKU) am I automatically a member of the Matter of Pride Boosters?

If you ever played football, were a manager, athletic trainer or coached football at EKU you are automatically a member of the Worn Cleat Club. Being a member of the Worn Cleat Club does NOT make you an automatic member of the Matter of Pride Boosters. You must join the Matter of Pride Boosters by making a donation which can range from $25 to $5000+.
 

• Why would I want to belong to both the Worn Cleat Club and the Matter of Pride Boosters?

Echoing a response to a previous question, remember that the Matter of Pride Boosters will now become the primary fundraiser for EKU football, whereas the Worn Cleat Club will focus more on the social events for previous players, managers, athletic trainers  and coaches. While only former players, managers, athletic trainers and coaches are in the Worn Cleat Club, ANYONE in the EKU community that wishes to support the EKU football team can join the Matter of Pride Boosters. It is our hope that all Worn Cleat Club members will want to be involved in the Matter of Pride Boosters because the funds raised by this group are for the sole purpose of helping the EKU football team to meet their financial needs.
 

• Will all of the money raised in the Matter of Pride Boosters go to the football team?

Yes, 100% of the funds raised by the Matter of Pride Boosters will go to help EKU football become the best program it can be.
 

• What are the giving levels and level incentives for the Matter of Pride Boosters?                                    

Level  1                   Donation Amount: $25 - $99
Level 1 members will receive a Matter of Pride Booster sticker to be proudly displayed on their automobile window.

Level  2                   Donation Amount: $100 - $499
Level 2 members will receive a Matter of Pride Booster sticker and a Matter of Pride Booster t-shirt.

Level  3                   Donation Amount: $500 - $999
Level 3 members will receive a Matter of Pride Booster sticker, a Matter of Pride Booster t-shirt and a Matter of Pride hat.

Level  4                   Donation Amount: $1000 - $4999
Level 4 members will receive a Matter of Pride Booster sticker, a Matter of Pride Booster t-shirt, a Matter of Pride Booster hat and a Matter of Pride Booster polo.

Level  5                   Donation Amount: $5000 and over
Level 5 members will receive a Matter of Pride Booster sticker, a Matter of Pride Booster t-shirt, a Matter of Pride Booster hat, a Matter of Pride Booster polo and a Matter of Pride Booster pullover.  Level 5 COMMUNITY members have access to join our Worn Cleat Club members (our football  program alumni) in their Cabin on the Hill area at EKU home football games.
 

• When can I expect to receive my incentive(s) for my donation to the Matter of Pride Boosters?

We hope to have your incentive(s) to you within two weeks of receiving your donation. Please note that this timeline will be altered by the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused the Adidas warehouse to be closed temporarily.
 

• Can my donation be earmarked for a particular football program need or project?

Yes, but this request CANNOT be done through the giving link. To make a donation that is earmarked for a specific need, please contact Grant Stepp at grant.stepp@eku.edu or 859-622-5751, or Danny Hope at charles.hope@eku.edu or 859-353-2931. Because of your donation, you will still be considered a member of the Matter of Pride Boosters.
 

• Is my donation to the Matter of Pride Boosters tax deductible?

Gifts to the Matter of Pride Boosters are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.  However, there are limitations to the deductibility of contributions required as a result of obtaining any special gifts associated with your giving levels.  Please consult your tax advisor to determine your specific tax deductibility. Supporters can decline the benefits for the 100% tax-deduction.  
 

• How long does my membership in the Matter of Pride Boosters last?

The membership year for the Matter of Pride Boosters will run from April 14 of the current year until April 14 of the following year.
 

• What is the difference between the Matter of Pride Boosters and the Colonel Club?

Contributions made to the Colonel Club are un-restricted gifts that are used to benefit the entire athletics department and its student-athletes.  Contributions made to the Matter of Pride Boosters fund are used to benefit the football program directly.  Matter of Pride Boosters members will be recognized as Colonel Club members in the game day program, but all benefits are realized through the football office.   Supporters can decline the benefits for the 100% tax-deduction. 
 

• What happens with the money that I donate? Who will make the decision as to how the money is used?

1)  The donation is received and documented by the institution, then put in the MATTER OF PRIDE BOOSTERS football foundation account.
2)  Coach Hope and Grant Stepp (Assistant Athletic Director for Development) will receive a notice of every donation made to the Matter of Pride Boosters. Names of persons joining the Matter of Pride Boosters will be listed on the Matter of Pride Boosters web page and will be updated at least once per month.
3)  The Head Football Coach, with approval of the Director of Athletics per NCAA rules and guidelines, will make decisions on how to spend the money to extend the potential of the football program beyond its budget, as needed.