Cal Poly Athletics Launches The Stampede, Its Official Philanthropic Giving Program
9/17/2026 2:05:00 PM | General
New unified initiative invites alumni, parents, fans and community members to invest in the success of Mustang student-athletes
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly Athletics today announced the launch of The Stampede, the official philanthropic giving program for Mustang Athletics. The Stampede brings together alumni, parents, fans and supporters under one shared commitment: providing the resources Cal Poly’s student-athletes need to compete for championships, excel in the classroom and thrive beyond graduation.
Every philanthropic gift to The Stampede directly supports the more than 550 student-athletes across Cal Poly’s 22 NCAA Division I programs. These gifts help enhance academic support, nutrition, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, mental health resources, team travel, facility improvements, athletic scholarships and other essential areas of the student-athlete experience.
“The Stampede reflects what is possible when the Cal Poly community rallies behind our student-athletes,” said Carter Henderson, Director of Athletics. “Our alumni, parents, fans and friends have always been an essential part of Mustang Athletics. Through The Stampede, they have a clear and meaningful way to invest in our young people—helping them pursue excellence in competition, in the classroom and in life.”
The Stampede establishes a unified home for all charitable giving to Cal Poly Athletics. Donors may continue to support individual teams, fund facility enhancements, create endowments or give to the department's greatest priorities.
Anyone who makes a philanthropic gift to Cal Poly Athletics becomes a member of The Stampede. Members receive exclusive access based on their giving level, including special communications from Cal Poly Athletics, invitations to member-only events, behind-the-scenes experiences and access to select game-day hospitality areas.
Season tickets and game-day hospitality experiences remain available through the Cal Poly Ticket Office. While the former Stampede Club primarily focused on tickets and hospitality, The Stampede is dedicated to advancing the philanthropic priorities that strengthen the entire Mustang Athletics program.
“Cal Poly’s student-athletes represent the very best of this university,” Henderson said. “By joining The Stampede, supporters become part of the team behind the team and help ensure that our programs have the resources to compete at the highest level.”
To learn more or join The Stampede, visit calpolystampede.com.
About The Stampede
The Stampede is the official philanthropic giving program of Cal Poly Athletics. Through the generosity of alumni, parents, fans and community members, The Stampede provides resources that empower more than 550 Mustang student-athletes across 22 NCAA Division I programs to succeed in competition, in the classroom and beyond.
