Support the Future of Recreational Sports

Endowments

What are the current NIRSA Foundation Endowments?

Region VI SoCal
Established in 1996 and endowed in 1997, Region VI SoCal was the first NIRSA Foundation Endowment. It provides two student registrations to the NIRSA Annual Conference in accordance with the selection process for NIRSA Foundation scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to two undergraduate or graduate students from Region VI after all the named and general scholarships have been awarded.

William Wasson
Established in 2001 and endowed in 2002, the Wasson Endowment provides two student registration scholarships to the NIRSA Annual Conference and Exposition for the students with the highest grade point average.

Will Holsberry
Established in 2001 and endowed in 2002, the Holsberry Endowment provides two scholarships to NIRSA professional members for registration at the Annual Conference or one of the professional development opportunities.

Sonia & Max Gartenberg
Established in 2003, endowed in April 2004, and the first scholarship awarded in April 2005, this scholarship is for a student registration scholarship to the NIRSA Annual Conference. After the Wasson award winners are selected, the highest student from a Historically Black College/University is awarded. If there is no HBCU scholarship applicant, the highest applicant is awarded the scholarship.

Anthony (Tony) J. Chivetta
Established in November 2005, endowed in March, 2006 and the first scholarship awarded in April 2006, this scholarship provides a professional member’s registration to either the NIRSA Annual Conference or the NIRSA Facilities Institute.

Presidents’
Established in 2006 and endowed in April 2008, interest income from this scholarship will be to provide specialized funding for creative or innovative initiatives through the NIRSA Foundation that will not normally be funded by operational funds. Currently, it provides the Recreational Sports Journal award to recognize excellence in writing from contributing authors to the NIRSA Recreational Sports Journal. Upon the receipt of a proposal to use available funds for a worthwhile endeavor, the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors shall consider the merits of the proposal consistent with the general purpose. President shall report to the NIRSA Past President’s Representative, on a regular basis, the balance of the Presidents’ Endowment Fund along with any proposal q relevant to the fund.
 
Founders
Established in April 2006, this scholarship – when endowed – will provide a professional and student scholarship to attend either the NIRSA Annual Conference, the National School of Recreation Sports Management, or any NIRSA, NIRSA Foundation, or NIRSA Services Corporation sponsored symposia or institute.

Salado Consortium (Texas)
Established and endowed in April 2006 and first awarded in April 2007, this scholarship provides registration to the NIRSA Annual Conference in accordance with the selection process for NIRSA Foundation scholarships. Currently the scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student from a Texas school after all the named and general scholarships have been awarded. The number awarded each year is determined by a Salado Consortium representative.

Region V
Established April 2007, this scholarship – when endowed – will provide a student registration to the NIRSA Annual Conference in accordance with the selection process for NIRSA Foundation scholarships. It will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student from Region V after all the named and general scholarships have been awarded.

Mark Leonida
Established in July of 2008 in memory of Mark Leonida from the University of Virginia, who passed away suddenly in the spring of 2008, this scholarship – when endowed - will provide a student registration to the NIRSA Annual Conference in accordance with the selection process for NIRSA Foundation scholarships.

What is an endowment?

An endowment is an investment of funds so that those funds may earn interest. The endowment or principal is never spent and investment income earned from funds within the endowment is used to fund the endowment’s goals.

How much funding does it take to fund a NIRSA Foundation Endowment?

The current minimum amount to establish a NIRSA endowment is $15,000. Once an individual or group indicates an interest in developing an Endowment, they have three years to attain the minimum amount.

What then?

The funds are invested and income from the investments is used to provide scholarships for students and professionals to attend the NIRSA Annual Conference and Recreational Sports Exposition and/or a NIRSA sponsored specialty symposia in accordance with the wishes of those developing the endowment.

How can I obtain more information about a NIRSA Foundation Endowment?

Contact any of the NIRSA Foundation Board members to discuss the specifics of establishing an endowment.