Les

Youth National Fund Association

 Keeping the fund local allows donors to support the kids and families that they are familiar with. Trials has always been a small "cult" sport and it's future is dependent on youth straddling a bike. The Youth National event held at Trials Training Center is the first trials event in the country to be totally devoted to kids and families and is a tremendous opportunity for kids to come together , once a year, and test their skills against the best in the country. This event challenges the skill of the riders and gives them a desire to try harder. There is also opportunities to build life-long friendships with kids and families from other states. Any parent, or child, who has attended the Youth Nationals will be glad to tell you the importance of this event.

 It is my desire to see each state become actively involved in supporting their youth with a simple Youth National Fund. A single purpose fund allowing donations at local events and an occasional event "fund raiser". It can be started by marking a coffee can with the words "youth national fund" and placing it at the sign-up table at every event. Adding a couple framed pics of the local Youth, either at the youth nationals, or at local events, will remind the donors what it is all about. 

Guidlines: KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid is the plan! don't get the cart ahead of the horse. Keeping the  cash in the coffee-can is good enough, and the fund should be depleted every year. the donors want to see the money used as a tool, NOT AN ASSET.       Some states use 501c3 status to get corporate sponsorship from local business owners within the trials community. These guys will usually give , regardless of tax-exempt status. Tax-exempt status should be considered if/when you find someone within your group who is a CPA or Lawyer and is willing to donate or help with the effort by offsetting the cost of paper work and bookkeeping. If 501c3 status is achieved, then it is possible to seek food donations from grocery chains that can be used at concession booths etc. My suggestion is to keep it simple, then, too! 

Distribution: as mentioned above, the funds should be depleted every year and can be distributed in many different ways. Texas considered several methods of distribution, including, a percentage for entry fees, percentage for travel, food, etc. It got pretty complicated, so after quizzing other states about their methods decided to divide the money equally "PER  RIDER". Some states have done very well and I have heard of one that  sponsored each rider with approximately $800. The purpose is to attract more kids to the youth national event.  The money is to be used to get the riders to the event and offset some of the expenses not just the entry fees. With rising costs of travel and bikes, attending the NATC national series is very difficult and  the youth national offers an opportunity as a once-a-year event that is a great opportunity to challenge American youth.

I have been pleasantly surprised at the generosity shown by the folks here in Texas and believe that you will find the same reaction in your state.

Please call me with any questions, or e-mail me.

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