Q: What does The Big C Society® do?

A: The Big C Society® supports Cal Athletics by operating its varsity alumni network and stewarding its letterwinner’s society. This work includes: producing episodes of Forever a Golden Bear, the spotlighting podcast that deconstructs the careers of Cal’s varsity alumni across the arcs of their post-sports work; organizing and orchestrating cross-team events like the Hall of Fame Induction Gala, the Senior Banquet, and the Welcome Back BBQ, that build a sense of community among Cal’s athletes; growing and moderating Cal’s varsity alumni network; and executing the logistical steps to deliver Cal’s first year varsity awards and related media recognition on social media, our website, and other mediums.

Q: Why is the Sports Fund important?

A: As a charity, The Big C Society®does not receive financial support from federal, state or local governments, nor from the University of California, nor its Athletic Department (except during the Hall of Fame Induction Gala, where Cal Athletics is a sponsor). Donations to the Sports Fund represent approximately 90% of The Big C Society® operating budget. The remaining 10% comes from its Loyalty Dues subscriptions. In short, the Sports Fund provides the flexible, unrestricted financial support necessary to meet the current year’s operational priorities.

Q: What does my donation support?

A: Taken together, donations to the Sports Fund establish The Big C Society’s operating budget for the year, which includes program expenses like the costs of varsity awards, subscriptions to software services and 3rd party professional services (like accounting, bookkeeping, photography, and videography), event costs, a stipend for its Executive Director (a part time role), and other related operating expenses in kind. The Big C Society® also relies heavily on volunteer labor in order to deliver its service.

Q: Why is 100% participation from the community so crucial?

A: Full participation is a vote of confidence - a sign that our internal community is committed to our students-athletes, and to the mission. High participation in The Big C Society® Sports Fund is a benchmark used by foundations and outside funders when deciding whether or not to provide funding that complements your gifts. Donations of any size, no matter how small, will make a tremendous impact on our ability to serve Cal’s student-athletes and alumni.

Q: Is The Big C Society® a part of the Athletic Department?

A: Technically no, (but for practical purposes, yes). The Big C Society® is a University of California (UC) Support Group, annually certified by the University of California, and organized as a 501(c)3 non-profit entity. It contributes all of its resources to programs that support the Athletic Department of the University of California at Berkeley and its student-athletes and varsity alumni, as described here, and in compliance with the Administrative Guidelines for UC Support Groups and The Big C Society® Bylaws. The Big C Society® is managed by its executive committee and its board of directors, which includes at least one varsity alumni director from each varsity sport at Cal.

Q: What is a matching gift?

A: Many companies will match charitable contributions by their employees so that your gift can be worth double or sometimes triple the original amount! Last year, we received over $6,000 in matching gifts from our donor’s employers. To learn about your specific company’s matching policy and process, check with your HR department for more information.

Q: Why are you asking for gifts to be received as soon as possible?

A: Our budget for the upcoming year is set in January.  Receiving gifts before the budget is determined allows us to establish next year’s operating plan with confidence and allocate funds accordingly. If a donation is received by December 31, it also enables donors to include their cash gift as a tax deduction in the current year.

Q: Are contributions tax-deductible?

A: In most cases, yes. The Big C Society® is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation. Our tax identification number is 94-3079004. Your gifts may be deductible for income tax purposes. Please consult a qualified tax professional for more information.