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Fundraising & Financial Assistance Policy

(Public-Facing)

Our Commitment
First & Gold Foundation is committed to providing equitable access to youth sports while operating with transparency, fairness, and integrity. Fundraising plays an important role in helping us reduce barriers for families and support our programs.

How Fundraising Works
All fundraising efforts support First & Gold Foundation as an organization. This allows us to:

  • Cover program costs

  • Support team travel and resources

  • Provide need-based financial assistance to families
     

While some fundraisers may be associated with a specific team, funds are never raised for or assigned to individual athletes.

Financial Assistance (Scholarships)
Families who need help covering registration or program fees may apply for financial assistance.

Key points:

  • Assistance is awarded based on demonstrated financial need

  • Fundraising participation does not guarantee assistance

  • Families are never required to fundraise to receive aid

  • All requests are reviewed confidentially
     

Fundraising Participation

  • Participation in fundraising is always optional

  • No athlete will be excluded for choosing not to participate

  • Fundraising is viewed as community support, not a fee-reduction program
     

Why Funds Aren’t Tracked by Player
As a nonprofit organization, First & Gold Foundation must ensure all funds support our mission rather than individual benefit. This protects:

  • The integrity of the program

  • Fairness among families

  • Our nonprofit status
     

Funds raised help lower overall program costs and expand access for athletes who need support.

Questions or Support
If you have questions about fundraising or financial assistance, we encourage you to contact our leadership team. We are always happy to explain how funds are used and how families can apply for support.

  • The First & Gold Foundation’s annual season is a structured, high-impact program designed to develop student-athletes on and off the field. Our season runs from December through May, combining elite football training with leadership, mentorship, and life-skills programming.

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    December – Tryouts Begin:
    Each winter, the season kicks off with 7v7 football tryouts. All athletes must register prior to tryouts to participate.

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    January–May – Full Season Programming:
    Once teams are formed, student-athletes enter a 24-week developmental cycle that includes:

    • On Field Development: 

      • Weekly 7v7 team practices (typically 1 practice per week)

      • Skills training and positional development

      • Tournament travel and competitive play

    • Off-Field Development:

      • Financial literacy workshops

      • Career readiness programs

      • Leadership, mentorship, and mental wellness support

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    *Practice days and times vary by location, but the structure remains consistent across all sites.

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    May – First & Gold Honors Gala:
    The season concludes with our signature end-of-year gala — a celebration inspired by the ESPYS. Athletes, families, donors, and partners come together to recognize player achievements, community impact, and program supporters.

  • The scholarship approval process is included in the online registration process. Simply answer the financial assistance questions during registration, and our program staff and board will determine eligibility. 

  • There are real costs involved in operating a high-impact nonprofit and delivering year-round programming to more than 150+ student-athletes each season. Registration fees vary by location and help cover the essential resources that make our mission possible. All registrations include:

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    • Full Winter–Spring Season Access (December–May)

    • Weekly 7v7 practices led by certified First & Gold coaches

    • Off-field development programs, including mentorship, financial literacy, and career readiness

    • Team events throughout the season

    • Custom team gear package (uniforms, bookbag, etc.)

    • Tournament participation and college camp opportunities

    • End-of-Season gala celebrating athletes, families, and supporters

READY TO GET INVOLVED?

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We rely on our members, program participants, donors and volunteers to work alongside us to strengthen communities. Whether you want to mentor players, or support our staff, your involvement helps bring about positive and meaningful change.

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