CU Athletics receives $6M gift from Crawfords

Alum Jeff Crawford and wife Orsi commit funds over next 3 years to support student-athletes and athletic department

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, using sharp planes and angles to deconstruct a college sports scene into an abstract representation of athletic energy and team spirit.A cubist interpretation of the competitive spirit and team pride driving CU Boulder's athletics program, fueled by a major new investment from longtime Buff supporters.Boulder Today

The University of Colorado Boulder announced a $6 million gift from alum Jeff Crawford and his wife Orsi to support CU Athletics over the next three years. Half of the funds will go toward the athletic director's discretionary fund, while the other half will support the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program launched in 2021.

Why it matters

This major donation from long-time Buff supporters reflects the Crawfords' commitment to excellence in CU's athletics program, which helps attract top student-athletes, elevate the university's national profile, and strengthen the overall campus community.

The details

The $6 million gift from the Crawford Family Foundation will be split evenly, with half going toward the newly renamed George Family Athletic Director's Fund and the other half supporting the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program. The program was launched in 2021 with the Crawfords' previous support.

  • The gift will be provided over the next three years.
  • The Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program was launched in 2021.

The players

Jeff Crawford

A 1990 graduate of CU's College of Arts and Sciences who has sent both of his sons to the university, including one recent graduate and one current student in the Leeds School of Business.

Orsi Crawford

Jeff Crawford's wife, who along with him has committed $6 million to support CU Athletics over the next three years.

Fernando Lovo

The director of athletics at CU Boulder, who expressed gratitude for the Crawfords' "unwavering commitment" to CU Athletics and student-athlete success.

Justin Schwartz

The chancellor of CU Boulder, who said the Crawfords' investment reflects a broader commitment to excellence across the university.

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What they’re saying

“Time and time again, the Crawford Family Foundation has supported CU student-athletes, and this generous investment is just the latest example. I am so grateful to Jeff and Orsi for their unwavering commitment to CU Athletics and to the success of our student-athletes, in competition, in the classroom and in their lives long after they've left Boulder.”

— Fernando Lovo, Director of Athletics, CU Boulder

“This investment in CU Athletics reflects a broader commitment to excellence across CU Boulder. A strong, visible athletics program enhances our ability to attract talented students, elevate our national profile and strengthen the overall vitality of our campus.”

— Justin Schwartz, Chancellor, CU Boulder

“Because of my family's legacy and love for CU, we have decided to give this gift to help CU compete in the extremely competitive landscape that is D1 college athletics.”

— Jeff Crawford

What’s next

The $6 million gift from the Crawfords will be provided to CU Athletics over the next three years, with half going toward the athletic director's discretionary fund and the other half supporting the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program.

The takeaway

This major donation from long-time CU supporters demonstrates the Crawfords' commitment to excellence in the university's athletics program, which helps attract top talent, raise the school's national profile, and strengthen the overall campus community in Boulder.