Fairbanks Curling Foundation

In 1990, the Fairbanks Curling Foundation registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3). It is a separate tax entity from the Fairbanks Curling Club. That year, eight individuals each contributed $5,000 to start the Foundation. Since then, almost 200 individuals, United Way donors, the Fairbanks Curling Lions, organizations, foundations, and estates have contributed.

The Foundation is treated as an endowment, with the exception of occasional large contributions which are applied immediately to large improvements at the Fairbanks curling facility. The Foundation follows IRS guidelines and disburses close to the minimum amount required each year, and preserves the principal to help support the mission for future years.

The Foundation has sponsored and promoted curling through open houses, curling instruction, youth curling in schools, and building improvements at the Fairbanks curling facility. It has supported travel for junior and adult curlers to U.S. National events, the Arctic Winter Games, and the Pacific International Cup in Vancouver.

The Foundation issued a number of scholarships to curlers over the years, then shifted that support to a UAF Community College class. Students learn the fundamentals of curling while earning college credit. The class has promoted curling to UAF students, the program has been well received, and the Club has gained a number of new members.

There are no paid wages in the Foundation. A small amount is paid for preparation of the annual IRS tax return, and an investment fee is paid. All other work — daily accounting, fundraising, and operation — is accomplished on a volunteer basis.