American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation Seeks Applications by Oct. 1
HAWYARD, Wis., August 2006 – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) today announced that it is seeking grant applications for youth ski programs associated with middle and high schools and cross-country ski organizations throughout the country.
“The mission of the Foundation is to promote cross-country skiing as a fun, energetic activity that is part of a healthy lifestyle,” said Executive Director Ned Zuelsdorff. “A significant portion of the effort focuses on young skiers. To this end the Foundation annually provides grant funding to youth ski programs associated with middle and high schools and cross-country ski organizations throughout the country.”
Zuelsdorff said the ABSF will award a total of $30,000 in grants with up to $3,000 being awarded to each organization selected. He said grant applications from youth cross-country ski programs throughout the country are welcomed.
Priorities for ABSF funding include, but are not limited to:
• Creation or expansion of young skier programs,
• Purchase of “loaner” ski equipment for participants,
• Purchase of ski hats and uniforms to foster team building and participation,
• Reduction of participant travel costs to ski events and clinics, and
• First time applicants.
• Other purposes will be considered.
Zuelsdorff said Skier Development Grant application procedures have changed, and grant applicants are encouraged to carefully read the grant application guide available at http://www.birkie.com/information/foundation.html prior to developing their application. Only those projects that fall within the Foundation's priorities, participant focus, program areas, and ABSF skier development objectives will be considered for Foundation support.
Grant applications are due in the American Birkebeiner office by October 1, 2006. The ABSF Skier Development Committee will review all applications received by October 1, 2006 and announce award decisions by mid-November 2006.
Applications received after October 1 will not be considered for funding in 2006-2007 unless available funding remains.
To contribute to the Skier Development Fund, which is used exclusively for this purpose, call 715/634.5025 or send a check to “ABSF” designating Skier Development Fund.
For more information on grant opportunities, log on to http://www.birkie.com/information/foundation.html, email birkie@birkie.com
or call 715/634-5025.
About the Birkie: Celebrating its 34th year, the American Birkebeiner (1-800-USA-BRKE; www.birkie.com), February 22-24, 2007, is North America's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon. Spanning 51 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie is one of 14 races in the Worldloppet international circuit, part of the American Ski Marathon series of 14 races, and part of the lives of citizen skiers from all walks of life and from around the world. Sponsors of Birkie 2007 include Subaru, State Bank of Drummond, Cable Chamber of Commerce, Johnson Bank, Superior Publishing and other businesses throughout the region and country. Find out more at http://www.birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.
