CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard Athletics is proud to announce that its Harvard Radcliffe Foundation for Women's Athletics (HRFWA) Giving Challenge, which was held in conjunction with National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 2, raised the most dollars in the history of the challenge and saw record participation. 
 
"We are grateful for our alumnae and their support of Harvard Athletics," said Erin McDermott, the John D. Nichols '53 Family Director of Athletics. "As we approach the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we are reminded of the progress we have made, and the need to preserve excellence into the future. Support from alumnae is critical in these efforts, as we continue to develop women scholars, champions, and leaders for our society." The Crimson's 21 women's programs established a new standard, with matching dollars from HRFWA providing extra incentive and boosting overall fundraising totals to new heights.
 
HRFWA was established in 1981 by the Harvard Athletics Department to help provide financial and social support to women's athletic programs at Harvard. HRFWA distributes close to $100,000 annually to Friends Groups through an "incentive plan" that encourages women to give to their former team. HRFWA's funding comes from an endowment that generates income annually. HRFWA also raises money through an annual appeal and receives gifts from alumnae and friends who want to support women's teams.