PULLMAN, Wash. – The Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF) showed substantial growth over the most recent fiscal year, raising more than $13 million in 2017, WSU Athletics announced Thursday.
 
For the 2017 fiscal year, which ended June 30, the CAF boasted revenue of $13.13 million, which includes annual fund donations, endowments, facility gifts and planned giving. That figure, which includes gifts from all 50 states, represents an increase of nearly 25 percent over FY16, when the CAF generated $10.48 million in revenue.
 
"I applaud Cougars everywhere and thank those who continue to have 'skin in the game' as we grow the Cougar Athletic Fund," said WSU Director of Athletics Bill Moos. "The CAF is vital to the success of our student-athletes and this year's growth demonstrates that our alumni and friends want the best for current and future Cougars."
 
The CAF Annual Fund grew 10 percent in FY17, from $5.8 million to $6.43 million, surpassing the year's goal of $6.25 million. One hundred percent of annual fund donations go directly to student-athlete scholarships, which this year will total nearly $11 million.
 
Along with the 10 percent increase this past year, the CAF annual fund has risen 23 percent over the past two years, growing from $4.9 million in FY15 to $6.43 this year. As part of the annual fund contributions, CAF members have also increased their donations, with 102 members giving $10,000-plus annually, an increase from 61 in FY16. In addition, 14 members contributed $25,000 in FY17 compared to eight the previous year.
 
"Most importantly, we are trending in the right direction," Moos added. "We still have a ways to go in terms of covering the annual scholarship costs, but I am impressed with how our fans have responded, and continue to respond, to make Cougar Athletics the finest collegiate experience possible."
 
The Cougar Athletic Fund, the fundraising arm of the Washington State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, is committed to providing the resources for a world-class experience in academics and athletics for our 450 student-athletes.