Utah State University Eastern
Case Study

Overview

Utah State Eastern University (USUE) is committed to building a sustainable, successful, and student-centered athletic program. To support that mission, the university needed a fundraising platform that matched their pace and purpose. Since partnering with eTeamSponsor, USUE has raised $309,914 to date, including $129,989 in 2024 alone, across 10 athletic programs. The results have transformed their approach to fundraising and significantly improved the student-athlete experience.

The Challenge

Before using eTeamSponsor, USUE relied heavily on traditional fundraising methods like mailers and local outreach, as well as some other platforms that proved inefficient for athletics. These outdated processes:

• Took significant time and energy from coaches and athletes

• Delivered minimal return on investment

• Created administrative burden with limited reach

The athletic department needed a solution that was digital, fast, and easy for both staff and supporters.

The Solution

eTeamSponsor offered a streamlined, donor-friendly fundraising platform that changed the game for USUE. Their decision to adopt the platform was driven by:

• Digital-first approach that made it easier for supporters to give

• Smooth onboarding and continuous support from the eTeamSponsor staff

• Efficiency for coaches, who could now spend more time with their athletes

• Strong ROI from day one, with many teams raising more in one season than in several years combined

• Alignment with USUE’s mission to grow athletic success without additional administrative burden and in coordination with university advancement efforts

The Results

• $309,914 raised to date for USUE
• $129,989 raised in 2024 alone
• 10 athletic programs successfully funded
• Tripled donor participation, resulting in the highest number of gifts received
• Tangible program improvements, including:
  • New uniforms and equipment for multiple teams
  • Facility upgrades, especially for baseball and softball
  • Investment in technology enhancements
  • Scholarship support for student-athletes

These advancements have elevated USUE athletics on and off the field.

Client Testimonials

Jess Brinkerhoff, Director of Athletics, Utah State Eastern University:

“ETeamSponsor has assisted heavily how we fundraise at Utah State Eastern for each team. We went from very limited or non-existent crowdfunding to now consistently raising over $100,000 annually across our athletic teams and as a department. I imagine this will continue to improve and help us raise even more funds over the years.

What stands out most is how efficient and easy the process is not only for donors, but also the teams and coaches. Our coaches are on board, our athletes are engaged, and our supporters are more easily connected. It has allowed us to focus on growth instead of grinding through outdated fundraising methods. The staff are very helpful at eTeamSponsor, they all want the athletic department and each team to succeed.”

Looking Ahead

With a clear path to continued success, USUE plans to expand its use of eTeamSponsor across all athletic programs. The platform’s ease of use, strong results, and alignment with institutional goals make it a cornerstone of their fundraising strategy.

Join the Winning Team

Utah State Eastern’s transformation shows how eTeamSponsor empowers athletic departments to maximize their impact with less effort. Interested in modernizing your fundraising?