CU Athletics Receives Largest Gift in History

University of Colorado Athletic Department Receives Record $6 Million Gift from Crawford Family The University of Colorado Boulder’s athletic department has received the largest single gift in its history, a $6 million commitment from alumnus Jeff Crawford and his wife Orsi through the Crawford Family Foundation. Announced on April 17, 2026, the donation will support CU Athletics over the next three years and marks a significant investment in the university’s student-athlete experience and campus-wide excellence. This historic contribution builds on the Crawford family’s long-standing support for CU Boulder athletics. Jeff Crawford graduated from the university in 1990, and his sons Jack and CJ are both CU alumni and current students, respectively. The gift reflects the family’s deep connection to the institution and their commitment to strengthening its athletic programs in an increasingly competitive Division I landscape. University leaders emphasized the broader impact of the gift beyond athletics. Athletic Director Fernando Lovo praised the Crawfords’ unwavering dedication, noting their consistent support for student-athletes in competition, academics, and life after college. Chancellor Justin Schwartz highlighted how a strong athletics program enhances the university’s ability to attract talented students, elevate its national profile, and strengthen campus vitality. The funding will help CU Boulder preserve and expand the benefits of a comprehensive athletics program, including increased student engagement, greater diversity, and improved fundraising potential. As noted by Jeff Crawford, successful sports teams can drive higher applications, improve admissions quality, and provide valuable national and local exposure for the university. This $6 million gift represents not only a milestone for CU Athletics but as well a strategic investment in the overall student experience and the university’s competitive position in collegiate sports. The Crawford Family Foundation’s continued philanthropy underscores the vital role of private support in sustaining excellence in higher education athletics.