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We are on a mission to democratize access to youth sports for all kids.

One of the most glaring issues in youth sports is that the high cost of participation prices out a large number of families in America. The Crumb Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping youth sports organizations better market and manage scholarship programs for disadvantaged youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play competitive youth sports.

Benefits of Youth Sports

It's well known that participation in youth sports has profound effects on a child's development that echo into adulthood. Below you'll find a summary of research statistics surfaced in the 2018 Kids Sport Facts: The Aspen Institute Project Play which highlight the benefits of – and challenges in – youth sports today.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

PHYSICALLY ACTIVE CHILDREN

1/10

less likely to

be obese

Up to 40%

higher test scores

ADOLESCENCE

LESS

smoking, drug use, pregnancy and risky sex

15%

more likely to go
to college

7-8%

higher earnings

ADULTHOOD

LOWER

health costs

MORE

productive at work

REDUCED

risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer & diabetes.

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Challenges in Youth Sports *

Families that can afford more, play more.

32% of parents from households making less than $50,000 a year told researchers that sports cost too much and make it difficult for their child to continue participating. That is compared to the 1 in 6 parents (16%) from households making $50,000 a year or more who said the same.

The 2016 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) report found only 35% of kids ages 6 to 12 from homes with $25,000 or less in income played team sports, compared to 68% of kids from $100,000+ homes.

INCOME IMPACTS SPORT PARTICIPATION *

Percentage of core participants, by household income

Under $25K
$25K - $49.9K
$50K - $74.9K
$75K - $99.9K
$100K +

FOOTBALL

(tackle)

BASEBALL

BASKETBALL

SOCCER

(outdoor)

SWIMMING

(team)

LACROSSE

Access is not equal.

KEY INDICATORS OF EARLY ACCESS *

Average age at entry into organized or team sports.
Age (years / months)

GENDER

Boys
Girls

RACE/ETHNICITY

Caucasian
African American
Hispanic

PARENT MARITAL STATUS

Married
Single/Never Married

CHILD EXERCISE FREQUENCY

Daily
Once A Week

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$100K
$35K

If you represent an organization that meets our guidelines and is in need of funding support, please submit your information below.

Eligibility & Application

Due to a high volume of requests, The Crumb Foundation is able to assist only a limited number of select organizations. We ask that you please review the following guidelines before applying for funding.

ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES AND ELIGIBILITY

  • Must be a youth sports or athletic organization with non-profit status, focused on youth soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball or football (USA Only).
  • Athletic opportunities in your organization are provided for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds.
  • Your athletic programs place an emphasis on character, teamwork, academic excellence and sportsmanship.

Donate Now

You can donate to The Crumb Foundation securely online or via check sent regular mail.  We are a nonprofit corporation with tax exempt status under internal revenue code 501(c)(3), therefore any amounts donated are tax deductible.

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Make checks payable to The Crumb Foundation, Inc. and mail to
3961 Chandler Blvd, Suite 111-264, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Great Deals. Good Deeds.

Transform every online purchase into a donation for The Crumb Foundation with Giving Assistant.

HOW IT WORKS

Get coupons and up to 2x cash back at 3,288 top brands like Macy’s, Best Buy, and Target.

Opt-in to give 1% to 100% of the cash back you earn to The Crumb Foundation at checkout.

With every purchase, your cash back “microdonations” add up to make a real difference.

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The Crumb Foundation "Dream Team" connects young athletes who have life-threatening medical conditions with their favorite professional sports teams for a VIP experience they will never forget. The Crumb Foundation helps fund travel, lodging, and the gameday experience with participating teams across all major professional sports.

Resources

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Free fundraising & financial management tools for youth sports teams, clubs & leagues.

The Aspen Institute's annual look at trends in youth sports, including the 2017 participation/coach training data.

The Aspen Institute's tool to help children and parents make informed decisions based on health when picking sports to play.

The Aspen Institute's free 30-minute course on how to coach kids 12-and-under, plus sport-specific resources.

Our Team

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Kristen Gocke

CO-Founder & Executive Director

10+ years management, fundraising, and financial oversight experience in club level youth sports programs.

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Ryan Eckel

Advisor

President – Tracksmith.Former VP of Strategy & Innovation at Dicks Sporting Goods / Co-executive director – SportsMatter.org.

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Travis Leach

Advisor

Partner – DLA Piper. Member of the Fiesta Bowl Committee. Member of the Arizona Coyotes Foundation.

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BRIAN MOHR

ADVISOR

Principal – Mohr Impact Group.  President – Conscious Capitalism Arizona. Board Director – Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest.

 

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DARREN WILSON

Advisor

Entrepreneur and strategist with 20 years experience in the sports and marketing community.

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ZACh FERRES

Advisor

CEO – Coplex.  Founding Partner – Coplex Ventures.  Contributor – Entrepreneur Media.

Some of our believers...

© 2023 The Crumb Foundation, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.