Colorado athletics receives $6 million gift from Crawford family
Colorado athletics received a $6M gift to support NIL, giving the department a huge boost in the new age of college athletics.
The Colorado athletic department received a record-breaking financial gift set to boost the department's present and future. Through the Crawford Family Foundation, alum Jeff Crawford and his wife, Orsi, have committed $6 million to CU athletics over the next three years with the aim of "enhacing the campus's visibility and momentum on the national stage. " Half of the gift will go toward the Athletic Director's Discretionary Fund, now the George Family Athletic Director's Fund, named after Athletic Director Emeritus Rick George.
The fund supports everything in the changing college athletics landscape, from coaching staff resources to roster retention and revenue-sharing initiatives. "Time and time again, the Crawford Family Foundation has supported CU student-athletes, and this generous investment is just the latest example," athletic director Fernando Lovo said in a press release. "I am so grateful… for their unwavering commitment to CU Athletics and to the success of our student-athletes.
" For Colorado fans, the $3 million to the Athletic Director's Discretionary Fund will make the most impact on what they see on the field. Whether it be with NIL payments to bring in or retain top players or paying elite coaches, Transformational. There is no other word for it.
Jeff and Orsi Crawford and the entire Crawford Family Foundation have made an extraordinary commitment to @CUBuffs Athletics, investing in our student-athletes and in the future of this department. As Jeff said himself, “We need… https://t. co/WpEmizXaUi — Fernando Lovo (@flovom) April 17, 2026 The remaining portion will fund the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, a comprehensive model focused on wellness, academics, leadership, and life beyond sports.