What is Heart of the Lope

Heart of a Lope is devoted to driving revenue for GCU student-athletes and positioning Grand Canyon sports to have great success in the next chapter of college athletics. Through Heart of a Lope, the most passionate fans and business owners in the community can engage with Grand Canyon University and its student-athletes like never before. Your support ensures our winning ways continue for years to come. By becoming a member of Heart of a Lope or partnering alongside our athletes to grow your business, you are contributing to the long-term success of GCU athletics.
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Frequently asked questions

CAN I MAKE A ONE-TIME-CONTRIBUTION VIA PAPER CHECK?
Yes, individuals and businesses can make a one-time contribution by paper check. To make a contribution by check, follow the steps below: 1. Make Checks Payable to: Student Athlete Empowerment 2: Mailing Address: Student Athlete Empowerment 1201 W Peachtree St NW Ste 2625 Attention: #121124 Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3499 3. Send Email: After mailing a check, send an email to: AR@studentathletenil.com listing your Name, Heart of a Lope , and the Sport where the money is to go.
CAN I MAKE A ONE-TIME CONTRIBUTION VIA ACH?
Yes, individuals and businesses can make a one-time contribution by ACH/Wire. If you'd like to send an ACH/Wire, please contact: AR@studentathletenil.com
ARE CONTRIBUTIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Heart of a Lope is not a 501c3 tax exempt entity. As such, contributions are not tax deductible as a charitable donation. A business may direct that payments for the NIL activations by the student athletes be used to promote the business and/or market the business’ products and services. To learn more, contact us at john@studentathletenil.com. Under these circumstances a business may be able to deduct these payments and/or payments for a membership to Heart of a Lope as a business expense. Of course, a business seeking a tax deduction for such payments should consult with it’s tax advisor prior to taking any such deduction. Nothing in this communication is intended to constitute legal or tax advice.
HOW CAN I PAUSE, CANCEL, OR CHANGE MY CONTRIBUTION?
Logon to your account and then go to the Account page for instructions.
ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS ON NIL DEALS?
Student-athletes cannot enter into deals that promote alcohol, drugs, pharmaceuticals, political advertising, pornography, gambling or betting, or other opportunities that go against GCU values. Additionally, there must be quid-pro-quo between the athlete and an individual or business. Heart of a Lope seeks to create a wide range of NIL opportunities for student-athletes that help them grow as young men and women, while also giving supporters an opportunity to interact with student-athletes in unique ways.
IS HEART OF A LOPE FFILIATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY?
No, the collective is not affiliated with Grand Canyon University in any way. It is a third party created to work with GCU student-athletes.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ATHLETE TRANSFERS OR LEAVES THE GCU?
While the NCAA does not allow NIL agreements to be predicated on a student-athlete’s continued enrollment at a university, our agreements are limited in time and scope to provide protection for contributor funds in situations where a student-athlete transfers.
CAN I REQUEST OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE WITH CERTAIN ATHLETES?
Yes – businesses and individuals can request specific NIL deals with athletes. Contact us at john@studentathletenil.com to get started.
WHAT TYPES OF NIL OPPORTUNITIES DOES RED SEA RISING HELP ACTIVATE?
Heart of a Lope offers the GCU student-athletes near limitless opportunities to engage in NIL activations, including: autograph signings, social media promotions, camps and clinics, charity events, special appearances, commercials, and many more!
ARE CONTRACTS WITH STUDENT-ATHLETES EXCLUSIVE?
No, contracts are not exclusive. We want all student-athletes to thrive under NIL and take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.
ARE ALL STUDENT-ATHLETE OPPORTUNITIES THE SAME?
No, contracts vary based on the specific athlete and the requirements of the contributor and/or activation. Each deal is individually negotiated and agreed upon by the student-athletes. That being said, Heart of a Lope seeks to provide equal opportunities for both male and female student-athletes.
WHAT IF I’M INTERESTED IN GIVING A LARGER CONTRIBUTION?
Individuals and businesses interested in giving larger contributions can do so via the “one-time contribution" link on the membership page, or can contact us directly at john@studentathletenil.com to discuss further. Contributions can be specified for specific sports, programs and activations.
CAN I SELECT WHAT SPORT MY CONTRIBUTIONS SUPPORT?
Yes, anyone who is a member of the collective can denote what sport and their respective student-athletes contributions will be earmarked for. Supporters can also contact us directly to set up activations with their favorite student-athlete(s).