The Baylor Bear Foundation continues its 12 consecutive years of growth after a successful 2015-16 membership year. As the primary fundraising organization for Baylor Athletics, the Bear Foundation was once again bolstered by loyal support from Baylor alumni and friends committed to assisting with the cost of scholarships for student-athletes across Baylor's 19 intercollegiate sports.

Bear Foundation annual giving for the 2015-16 year was $15.3 million. The Bear Foundation's year-end totals include annual giving, endowment interest and suite purchase revenue. They do not reflect any capital gifts received during the year.

"The continued growth of the Bear Foundation is a testament to the generosity and passion of the Baylor Family," said Todd Patulski, Interim Director or Athletics. "Each year, the funds raised through the Bear Foundation help offset the rising cost of scholarships. With the support of many faithful members, we are able to offer student-athletes at Baylor University unparalleled educational opportunities and the ability to compete among the best programs in the nation."

The Bear Foundation also announced record membership totals of more than 6,200 donors contributing to scholarships for student-athletes at the close of the 2015-16 fiscal year. Additionally, the organization is on track to reach more than 8,000 member accounts during the 2016-17 year. This membership base marks the highest total for the organization since it's launch and continues 12 consecutive years of membership growth.

"The mission of the Bear Foundation -- to provide scholarship funds for Baylor's student-athletes and to support and promote the interest and welfare of Baylor Athletics -- remains our essential focus," said Doug McNamee, senior associate athletic director for athletics/annual giving. "We cannot adequately express our gratitude to the Baylor faithful who continue to carry this mission forward through all seasons. With their continued support, we firmly believe in Baylor's continued success."

Demand for Baylor football season tickets through the Bear Foundation remains high with a 98 percent renewal rate for current season ticket holders. McLane Stadium season tickets are sold out for the third consecutive year. Additionally, for the first time ever, all Baylor football season ticket holders are also donors to Baylor Athletics and Bear Foundation members.

"Thank you to our new and returning Bear Foundation members for your continued effort to keep our athletic programs in the elite status of all universities in the nation," said president of the Bear Foundation Board of Directors Don Schreiber. "Baylor Nation can be proud of their support of Baylor athletics and specifically, our student-athletes."

The Bear Foundation achieved ambitious goals for the 2015-16 year. A membership goal of 6,000 accounts was met in the early part of the fiscal year and included a 28 percent increase of "philanthropic-based" accounts (memberships with no season ticket benefits associated).

Additionally, the Bear Foundation set out to enhance and improve communications with their donor base. Bear Foundation data shows that more than half of membership views emails on a mobile device. In the fall of 2015, the Bear Foundation moved to an email system with mobile-friendly viewing. The organization also updated its website and engaged with members via social media on a more consistent basis to meet the goal of improving overall membership communications.

Meeting another goal for the 2015-16 year, the Bear Foundation priority point counting policy was simplified and expanded to reward both consistent support and giving to areas outside of athletics. Long-term supporters of Baylor University will enjoy priority points for consecutive years they've held season tickets for football, basketball, baseball and softball. They will also receive points for annual cash giving to athletic scholarship and excellence funds and for annual cash giving to other non-athletics related areas of the university.

Other initiatives launched by the Bear Foundation in 2015-16, included the addition of the Ambassador program, which seeks to engage the Bear Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers to serve at sporting events as the official welcoming and hospitality arm of Baylor Athletics. Finally, the Bear Foundation added a free quarterly event for all members. "Breakfast with the Bears" included a complimentary breakfast and Q&A with "Voice of the Bears" John Morris and current Baylor student-athletes from in-season sports.

"Our Foundation has met challenging goals for the 2015-16 year," Schreiber said. "The addition of the Ambassador Program, where Baylor Bear Foundation Board Members assisted fans at football and basketball games, was well accepted by all fans and was a way to thank supporters of Baylor Athletics. I'd like to thank our members in advance for your continued support as we look forward to another successful year."

Individuals interested in the Baylor Bear Foundation may call the Foundation office at 254.710.2582 or visit www.BaylorBearFoundation.com to learn more.