it doesn't count toward your priority status or CC level. We haven't donated tons of money but enough to be one of the legacy levels. I suppose after we reach AD Circle we could start donating directly to football only after the minimum annual "maintenance fee." That doesn't make any sense right now for us or most other donors, though; if you want your contributions to give you any benefits (like the ability to buy good seats at football games) you must buy your way up through the Cougar Club and those donations cannot be earmarked for anything specific.