About the Buck/Cardinal Club

The Buck/Cardinal Club is the unrestricted annual fund for Stanford Athletics, supporting nearly 900 student-athletes as they compete and succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in life beyond the Farm. Gifts to the Buck/Cardinal Club directly impact the student-athlete experience by funding critical resources including scholarships, sports performance, sports medicine, team travel, recruitment, nutrition, sports psychology and academic advising. Beyond an annual, expendable fund, the Buck/Cardinal Club is a community of alums, former student-athletes, parents, family, friends and fans of Stanford Athletics, who are committed to supporting Cardinal student-athletes as competitors, as students and as future leaders.

Generations of Cardinal Faithful

In 1934, Stanford alumni and friends founded the "Tiny Buck of the Month Club" to raise funds to cover tuition costs for “capable, worthy, and needy student-athletes.” As the Club's name implied, membership dues were one dollar per month. The word "tiny" was added to emphasize the modest amount and to honor head football coach, Claude "Tiny" Thornhill. The Club later shortened its name to the "Stanford Buck Club" and revised its initial membership dues requirement to gifts of any size. With the advent of Title IX, the Cardinal Club was formed in 1977-78 to raise scholarship funds for female student-athletes on the Farm. Under the guidance of the Stanford Buck and Cardinal Clubs’ leadership, a merged Buck/Cardinal Club was formed in 1987 to raise funds for both men's and women's athletic scholarships. The Buck/Cardinal Club has changed the lives of student-athletes for nearly a century by funding life-changing scholarships and resources over the society’s 90-year history. Today, Stanford Athletics relies on Buck/Cardinal Club support to fund critical resources to nearly 900 student-athletes across 36 varsity sports. As the college sports landscape continues to evolve, Stanford Athletics remains committed to providing the best possible student-athlete experience for those who compete for the Cardinal.

Inspire Champions in Life

Make an Impact

Become a Member!

Buck/Cardinal Club members enjoy various exclusive benefits outlined in the following chart. Gifts to the Home of Champions fund are also eligible for Buck/Cardinal Club benefits. Celebrate Stanford Athletics and student-athletes with fellow Buck/Cardinal Club members by joining us at various events and gameday hospitalities throughout the year!