With another record-breaking year both on and off the field, the UCLA Athletic Department is poised to launch its 2015 Wooden Athletic Fund annual fund campaign. While proud of a third consecutive record-breaking year in total members and total dollars raised in 2014, the Wooden Athletic Fund, the general fund to support UCLA Athletics, is looking to further expand its footprint in 2015 as scholarship, facility and operational costs continue to rise across college athletics.

Boasting more than 6,000 total members and more than $11.7 million dollars raised in 2014 for student-athlete scholarship support and resources, the Wooden Athletic Fund's 2015 annual campaign comes in conjunction with UCLA's $4.2 billion Centennial Campaign.

During the Centennial Campaign, a campaign in which the UCLA Athletic Department is targeting $260 million in funds raised between 2013 and 2019, Athletics' primary objective is to create a financially-sustainable future to build upon its standing as the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the nation. Dedicated to providing the student-athlete with a rewarding experience both academically and athletically, the Campaign will impact UCLA Athletics in three distinct ways: student-athlete support, creation of state-of-the-art facilities and the enhancement of operational support.

Announced in September of 2013, the Wooden Athletic Fund's “8CLAP8K” initiative enters its second year with a goal of increasing members of the Wooden Athletic Fund to 8,000 from the 5,313 at the outset of the campaign. As progress is made, it will be measured by “clapping” for each 1,000 donors who join, leading up to the goal of 8,000 donors, or, a UCLA 8-Clap. Throughout the “8CLAP8K” campaign, special incentives will be offered to new members and to current WAF members who refer friends to join. You can track our progress or join at www.8CLAP8K.com.

Wooden Athletic Fund membership guides and renewal packages have been sent to donors who contributed to the Wooden Athletic Fund in 2014. The packet provides an in-depth look into all participation opportunities within UCLA Athletics (to view the interactive online version of the guide, click HERE). The January start to this year's campaign is designed to provide donors with the greatest flexibility in making their donation. The deadline for renewal, however, remains June 30, 2015.

"Looking back at 2014, we sincerely thank UCLA's incredibly generous donors for empowering our student-athletes to once again achieve at the highest levels," said Josh Rebholz, Senior Associate Athletic Director, External Relations. "With the announcement of UCLA's Centennial Campaign in May, we have seen our supporters step up to support the growth and development of UCLA's student-athletes like never before. Wooden Athletic Fund support is integral in our ability to provide resources for our student-athletes to excel in the classroom, in competition and in the community. As we build for the next 100 years of UCLA Athletics, we are asking our current donors, alumni and fans to help support our fundamental message – Champions Made Here – by elevating their investment in our incredible student-athletes and ensuring continued success for years to come."

All 2014 Wooden Athletic Fund donors have received a renewal form that details the option of renewing at their current level or their "Become a Champion" amount. Entering its third year, the "Become a Champion" campaign encourages all current Wooden Athletic Fund donors to increase at least one giving level from what they donated in 2014. Additionally, all UCLA alumni, fans and friends who are not yet members are encouraged to join the Wooden Athletic Fund at the minimum $100 dollar level, while all current WAF donors are encouraged to refer a new member to the Wooden Athletic Fund in 2015.

Anyone who participates in any of these initiatives will automatically qualify to "Become a Champion" and will receive an exclusive Wooden Athletic Fund adidas hat.

To be eligible for 2015 WAF membership benefits, including priority parking and priority seating, donations must be received in full prior to June 30, 2015. Automatic pre-approved payment plans are available upon request.

Donors are strongly encouraged to renew their membership online. To renew online, donors should visit WoodenAthleticFund.com and click "Renew Membership" under the "Donate Now" tab. Donors will need the 10-digit User Identification Number listed under their name on the Statement of Support.

In an ongoing effort to exceed member expectations, the Wooden Athletic Fund has acted on feedback from over 1,300 responses to a member survey this fall with several enhancements for the 2015 renewal process. Enhancements to the WAF renewal experience in 2015 include individualized donor priority rankings on donors' Statements of Support and the inclusion of direct contact information Wooden Athletic Fund staff members to assist with donors' renewals and membership needs.

Any donors wishing to contribute specifically to individual sports will once again have the option to do so through program-specific giving clubs, which can be found HERE. Additionally, giving opportunities and information are available online for the Wasserman Football Center and UCLA Basketball Practice Facility. Please remember that donations made directly to individual sports or capital projects do not count towards priority seating requirements.

For any questions regarding Wooden Athletic Fund or UCLA Athletics Development options, please contact a member of the UCLA Athletics Development team at 310-206-3302 or visit www.WoodenAthleticFund.com.