Pulling Together As One
Donate today to help endow the Men's and Women's Rowing Teams at Washington
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Preserve the legacy of Washington Rowing today
No team better represents the values, determination, or teamwork that defines our Washington Rowing program than the 1936 Olympic Champions. Who they were then, is who we are now. We Are The Boys in the Boat.
Even better, you have always been there with us. Our community came through in the now famous 1936 fund-drive and sent the Boys to Berlin. As Rowing faces an uncertain future in the shifting landscape of intercollegiate athletics, we need your help again today.
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Together, we build the character and strength of young people.
Together, we build Champions.
Together, we will endow this program for every generation to come.
In tandem with the production and launch of the Boys in the Boat movie, we are focused on two endowment areas that support our men's and women's teams; The Boys in the Boat Endowment: an endowment fund to support the men's program; and the Title IX Legacy Endowment: a fund to support the women's program and women's scholarships. Both are vital to the future of Washington Rowing.
Donations to one of the listed endowments fulfill our ongoing goal to endow Washington Rowing forever.​
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The Boys in the Boat Endowment
To celebrate the memory of the ’36 team and fuel the dreams of the next generation of rowers, The Boys in the Boat Endowment was established to provide financial support for future operational costs of UW Men’s Rowing. Contributions will allow the program to continue to shape values-driven student-athletes who will make a positive impact on the world. “Trust, teamwork and perseverance are values that transcend time,” Coach Callahan emphasizes. “By supporting the Boys in the Boat Endowment, we are preserving the legacy of this historic program for future generations.”
​The Title IX Legacy Endowment
The Title IX Legacy Endowment offers a way to support the operational costs of the women’s program. Started by a group of Washington women rowers from the ’70s, the endowment is named in honor of the landmark Title IX legislation that opened the door to equity for women in athletics, education and life. “Most of us were walk-ons, but Washington turned us into confident and intense athletes,” said Linda Fornaciari, one of the early alumnae donors to the fund. “It was a chapter in our lives when we were so strong, physically and mentally, a time when we realized the power of teamwork. We carried that forward into our lives to this day and we want every rower in the future to feel the same.”
Why Endow the Program?
Intercollegiate Athletics are changing. With the legislated introduction of NIL, paying college players (particularly football and basketball) has become mainstream. The costs in most Division 1 Athletic Departments are increasing substantially. Add to that conference re-alignment (Washington is now in the Big 10, a conference that does not sponsor men's varsity rowing) and additional travel and operational costs, and the collegiate athletics model has significantly changed in just the last three years.
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The sports at the largest risk for consistent funding are Olympic Sports. Rowing has never been a revenue sport and it has largely depended on the profit generated by football, and the generosity of our community. That goes for both our men's and women's teams. We cannot predict the future; but what we can do is look at the changing landscape and work proactively with our community to say "let's make sure we protect this unique and cherished program for all generations to come". That is where we are at today, and we are asking you to participate with us in ensuring the future for Washington Rowing.
The Washington Rowing Difference
Academic Excellence: At Washington, we place a strong emphasis on academic achievement. The rowing team members are students first, and extended support is provided as a priority for their studies.
Personal Growth: Washington Rowing is dedicated to the personal growth and character development of our athletes. Our student-athletes have access to resources and mentorship through the unique Beyond The Boat Program, building a fully-rounded and multi-dimensional education at Washington.
Leadership and Life Skills: Life skills including leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience are at the core of who we are. It is the essence of the George Pocock quote: "Harmony, Balance. Rhythm; these things stay with you your whole life."
Our Coaches and Program: Michael Callahan and Yaz Farooq are at the top of the rowing world in their achievements both on and off the water. Supported by a deeply experienced staff and the UW Athletic Department, the Washington Rowing Program's dedication to excellence, and proven success, is unparalleled.