USA Ultimate Announces Creation of the USA Ultimate Foundation
Posted: February 27, 2014 04:07 PM
USA ULTIMATE ANNOUNCES CREATION OF THE USA ULTIMATE FOUNDATION
Pufahl Farricker Spirit Foundation to Give First Gift
Boulder, Colo. (February 27, 2014) – USA Ultimate, the national governing body for the sport of ultimate in the United States, announced today plans to create the USA Ultimate Foundation.
The USA Ultimate Foundation will serve as the philanthropic arm of USA Ultimate and raise funds to support programs designed to strengthen and grow the sport of ultimate in the United States.
Gifts to the Foundation will support youth development opportunities (with a special emphasis on disadvantaged children), local affiliate programs, gender equity through girls’ and women’s initiatives, U.S. National Team programs and athletes, and Spirit of the Game.
"We have tens of thousands of alumni and friends of USA Ultimate who sincerely appreciate the impact ultimate has had on their lives," said USA Ultimate Board of Directors President Mike Payne. "For the first time, we will be formally and actively soliciting help and support from those that have benefitted from and enjoyed their ultimate experiences. This will help us reach thousands more children and communities with the support necessary to grow our wonderful sport."
The decision to create the USA Ultimate Foundation resulted from a unanimous vote at USA Ultimate’s winter board meeting in favor of incorporating a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Unlike most major industrialized nations, the United States does not maintain a nationally funded sport development system, meaning national governing bodies of sport receive no government funding or tax dollars, instead relying on giving as one of several alternative revenue streams to fund various programs. The decision to create the Foundation aligns USA Ultimate with most other amateur sports organizations in the United States and follows best business practices.
"Many NGBs have had great success funding special initiatives and supporting their national teams through their foundations," explained USA Ultimate Chief Executive Officer Tom Crawford. "This is a natural next step for us as we continue to drive the growth of ultimate in the United Sates. The Foundation will help us fund many local initiatives targeting children and youth, as well as provide a higher level of support for the athletes and teams that represent us internationally. Julia Lee, USA Ultimate Director of Finance & Development, will be leading this effort and has begun the legal process required to create the USA Ultimate Foundation.
The USA Ultimate Foundation will operate solely through private donations from individuals, corporations and other foundations. The first contribution will be made by the Pufahl Farricker Spirit Foundation.
"We are extremely proud to be recognized as the first donor of the USA Ultimate Foundation," commented Pufahl Farricker Spirit Foundation Secretary Brian Murphy. "Our gift helps to ensure that Spirit of the Game will continue to be celebrated as a unique, positive and defining characteristic of ultimate for many years to come."
The USA Ultimate Foundation will launch its first formal campaign later this year and will begin accepting donations as soon as the IRS filing is complete.
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