TEAM BIG RED

Welcome

Welcome to the University of Illinois at Chicago Team Big Red, the primary fundraising organization of UIC Athletics! We invite you to use this website as your guide to all Team Big Red activities.

Within these pages you will find information pertaining to our commitment to serving each and every student-athlete, UIC, and the community.

Thank you for visiting and Go Flames!

History

The year was 1981. Fueled by their passion for athletics, a group of alumni and local community leaders began the Flames Athletic Association and set out with a common goal:

In 2002, the FAA was reorganized and became the Big Red Fund. Guided by a philosophy of philanthropy, the Big Red Fund grew from its modest roots. The summer of 2008 saw the transformation of the Big Red Fund to TEAM BIG RED.

Today, Team Big Red consists of over 1,200 members who participate in activities ranging from planning and administering special events to raising money through the Annual Fund Drive for Athletic Scholarships.

Although the organization blossomed, the goal remains the same - to help ensure the success of all student-athletes at UIC.

Currently, UIC is poised to become a major force in athletics. However, this great program cannot succeed without increasing support from its alumni and friends. With the enthusiasm of its student body, a superb group of coaches and staff, and the support of alumni and friends like you, UIC Athletics will continue to flourish.

Mission Statement

The mission of TEAM BIG RED is to be the primary fundraising division of the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The purpose of the Team Big Red is to generate revenue to support the athletic scholarship program for deserving young men and women in assistance of their education at UIC. Your support is an investment and helps facilitate the student-athletes' intellectual and social growth at UIC.

Volunteers

Team Big Red encourages its members to contribute their time and talent to the department. Our organization offers two progressive levels of volunteer activities: Volunteer Fundraisers and Volunteer Committees. To volunteer, please call 312.996.5874, or write to us at lisam@uic.edu.

Volunteer Fundraisers
Volunteer fundraisers are truly the lifeblood of Team Big Red. The dedication and hard-work of this philanthropic group brings strength to TBR and secures the future of Flame Athletics. We encourage you to join our outstanding group of volunteer fundraisers. Join us today as we build the UIC of tomorrow. Please call 312.996.5874, or write to us at lisam@uic.edu.

Volunteer Committees
Once appointed to a committee, volunteers are required to participate on at least one of the following committees:

Special Events Committee
Plans and administers the Big Red Fund's special fundraising events.

Marketing Committee
Develops and executes marketing plans for TBR.

Golf Committee
Plans and administers the Big Red Fund's fundraising Golf Tournaments.

Prospective Members

Team Big Red membership is open to all UIC fans, alumni, and friends. Annual contributions which are tax deductible, provide active enrollment and exclusive membership benefits. As a member of the TBR, you help ensure UIC Athletics continues to attract top student-athletes committed to success on the field and in the classroom.

Join the UIC team by contributing online or by calling 312.996.5874.

NCAA Compliance

As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), UIC must abide by NCAA rules and regulations as they relate to all aspects of its athletic program. In addition to ensuring that coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, and student-athletes are aware of and following NCAA rules, UIC is also responsible for the actions of any individual who is a member of its athletic booster groups, or meets the definition of a "representative of athletics interests".

Please visit the UIC Booster Information web page for detailed information.

If you have additional questions about NCAA rules and regulations, please contact Molly Stearns, Director of Compliance at 312.996.5011.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "restricted", "scholarship" and "unrestricted" gifts?
An unrestricted gift to the TBR is used at the discretion of the Athletic Department to cover the costs of athletic scholarships, which in turn are financial aid for a specific sport. A restricted gift to the TBR is designated by the donor for a specific purpose such as a facility project or other needs of specific teams.

Is my gift to the TBR tax deductible?
Yes, gifts made to the TBR are tax deductible. The amount of one's deduction equals the gift minus the value of membership benefits received. Please note that in order to qualify for a tax deduction equal to the full amount of your donation, you must decline all benefits when offered.