This fund was established in 1991 by the Manatee County Gator Club®, an affiliated organization of the University of Florida’s Alumni Association. Having a number of locations, Gator Clubs® and Affiliate groups promote diversity, thus encouraging the spirit of the Gator Nation®. Gator Clubs® host a multitude of social and athletic functions, sponsor educational and professional seminars, provide scholarship opportunities, design community service projects and foster young alumni programming. Membership is open to all alumni, parents, friends and students of the University.

The UF Alumni Association-chartered Gator Clubs® and Affiliate groups sponsor scholarships for students attending UF from all over Florida, as well as many other parts of the country. Gator Club® scholarships are awarded based upon criteria established by each Gator Club® or group including but not limited to academic merit, school and community involvement.