College athletics is changing and NDSU is ready.
One of the most important elements of the NCAA v. House settlement is the ability to directly support student-athletes through Institutional NIL (Name, Image and Likeness). At NDSU that means the generous contributions you make — especially tax-deductible gifts to the Green and Gold Fund — are now eligible to be part of this shared revenue model. These funds managed by NDSU Athletics will be another way to provide financial resources for our student-athletes, which is critical for recruitment and retention.
The Green and Gold Fund can be supported via one-time or recurring online gifts, donor-advised funds, stock donations, IRA distributions, or check. All contributions to the Green and Gold Fund are a gift to Team Makers, and qualify for Team Maker Club benefits and priority points (1 point per $50 donated).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Institutional NIL?
The House Settlement allows the institution to begin compensating student-athletes directly for the use of their name, image and likeness.
What does Opting-In to the House Settlement mean for NDSU Athletics?
As part of opting in to the House settlement, NDSU is now permitted to share its departmental resources directly with student-athletes, beginning in the 2025–26 academic year. To support this transformational change, Team Makers Club will be responsible for generating additional revenue for NDSU Athletics to compensate student-athletes for the use of their name, image and likeness.
What is the Green and Gold Fund? And Where Are My Donations to the Green and Gold Fund going?
The newly created Green and Gold Fund will support House Settlement related benefits (additional student-athlete scholarships, academic resources, Institutional NIL and more). 100% of your donations will go to directly support NDSU student-athletes as we continue building champions in the classroom and competition.
How will the Green and Gold Collective be integrated with Team Makers?
The Team Makers Club currently generates 25% of NDSU Athletics’ total operating revenue. Team Makers is currently made up of three fundraising components: seat contributions, general memberships and the Bison Pride Fund. Together, they help fund all student-athlete scholarships and essential resources, while also determining each donor’s Team Makers Club membership level.
Starting August 1st, the Bison Pride Fund will transition to the Green and Gold Fund. From that point forward, membership levels will be based on a combination of seat contributions, general memberships and philanthropic gifts to the Green and Gold Fund.
As a part of this change, Team Makers will take on the challenge and momentum created by the Green and Gold Collective leadership, serving as the central hub for all House Settlement related contributions - including recurring monthly and annual gifts. Team Makers will work with the current leadership of the Green and Gold collective to ensure all current members experience a smooth transition.
If I was a member of the Green and Gold Collective, do I need to do anything?
Nope. A Team Makers staff member will be reaching out to you directly to discuss next steps in the coming weeks.
Your donations will now fall under the Team Makers Club name starting in August, but your impact remains the same: You’re supporting student-athletes, building competitive rosters, and helping NDSU continue to win at the highest level.
Will Green and Gold Fund donors still have the same flexibility in terms of directing donations for Institutional NIL?
Yes. Donors can direct funds to the general fund, or a specific sport within the Green and Gold Fund.
Are my donations to the Green and Gold Fund Tax Deductible?
Donations will be made to the Team Makers Club, a nonprofit corporation qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations to the Green and Gold Fund will be 100% tax-deductible.
*Team Makers Club may not provide legal or financial advice related to your taxes. All donors should consult a tax advisor directly if they have questions about their unique tax situation.
Will gifts to the Green and Gold Fund earn priority points?
Yes - as a continuing supporter of the Green and Gold Fund, you’re now officially part of Team Makers if you have not ever given to Team Makers in the past. Donors will receive 1 point for each $50 contribution to the Green and Gold Fund.
Are my previous donations recognized by Team Makers?
Yes – all previous donations made to the Green and Gold Collective will receive 1 Team Makers priority point for each $50 contribution that was made.
Will NDSU student-athletes still be able to receive third-party NIL deals?
Yes. Moving forward Learfield/Bison Sports Properties will manage all third-party NIL agreements. Student-athletes are now required to report third party NIL deals valued at $600 or more at NILGo.com. Failure to report a third party NIL agreement may lead to penalties, including the loss of a student-athlete's NCAA eligibility.
