VERMILLION, S.D. — The University of South Dakota athletic department has announced a change in their giving model to introduce the department's first-ever holistic giving model, The Yote Fund.
 
The Yote Fund is a new way to look at the giving of Coyote supporters, creating new benefit levels that will be known as the Yote Fund Membership Level. The Yote Fund now serves as the overarching umbrellas of all areas of giving, streamlining the benefits process and membership levels.
 
"This is a transformational time in college athletics and donor support and engagement mean more than it ever has," commented Ben LeCompte, Senior Associate AD for Development and CRO. "My team and I are extremely excited to launch the Yote Fund and help USD Athletics reach new philanthropic milestones. The holistic model will ensure we recognize every generous dollar that supports out student-athletes."
 
The introduction of the Yote Fund does not remove things like the Howling Pack Scholarship Fund. Howling Pack, Excellence Funds, Endowment giving, among other areas will all contribute to a supporters Yote Fund Level.
 
In the new Yote Fund, the membership level locks in for the entire year from fiscal year to fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), encompassing the previous fiscal year's giving.
 
The initial launch date of the first editions of Yote Fund Membership levels is slated for July 1, 2025. All members will be given a level On July 1, 2025, that is comprised of their giving from the prior fiscal year.
 
As the Yote Fund level grows, so does the benefits awarded to Coyote supporters who donate. See the attached documents of the full membership guide and benefits chart (linked above) for more on the levels and benefits of the Yote Fund.
 
YOTE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY
Within the Yote Fund, USD Athletics is also launching its first ever giving society, aiming to recognize the largest and most loyal Coyote supporters. Once the total giving reaches $10,000, the Coyote supporter then joins the Yote Leadership Society. The Yote Leadership Society is USD Athletics' premier giving program. Members are honored with Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond, status and enjoy exclusive benefits for their impact on athletic and academic excellence.
 
For any questions, please contact Senior Associate AD Ben LeCompte at ben.lecompte@usdfoundation.org.