USA Track & Field Foundation invites masters requests
More than two years ago, I asked USATF CEO Craig Masback if the much-ballyhooed USA Track & Field Foundation had cut any checks for masters track. Craigo replied: “The foundation has yet to give money to anyone.” Further, he said: “I’m not aware that (the) masters (committee) has asked for money.” Well, this Pittsburgh-based nonprofit has begun sharing its largesse — with elite and youth projects. Nothing for masters. And this despite its stated “commitment” to “expanding existing masters events and programs and access to them.” So I decided to find out why.
I wrote to Tom Jackovic, the foundation’s executive director.
Tom graciously replied, writing:
Thanks for touching base. Like a few other Foundation earmarked funds, the Foundation has been waiting for the balance to build in the Masters account before making any grants. The last time I checked it was still small (under 5K) and the board was still of the mindset to let the account grow. If you have a specific request however, it might prompt the board to act at our next meeting in June. Could you send in an application with a specific request and I’ll see that it gets full consideration?
Well, that’s interesting on two counts:
1. They have money for masters.
2. They’re just waiting for someone to ask.
Of course, something under $5,000 is microscopic in the grant game. And normally, foundations like to have a pile of cash for investing. From this they accrue interest, and then they distribute grants — like an annuity. So no wonder masters haven’t heard boo from the USA Track & Field Foundation, which was founded in December 2002.
But at least Tom is open-minded and willing to entertain grant requests.
Even though some elite athletes have received grants, I doubt any individual masters athlete will be considered for foundation money, though. More likely, a masters club or project would be considered for funding. One idea I heard: Get some cash to prepare an all-time USA masters rankings list.
Meanwhile, the tiny International Masters Athletics Foundation, based in Wyoming, has already begun cutting checks for masters athletes (mainly ultradistance runners). And USATF has been out recruiting team members for the world masters 100-kilometer championships this September in Holland.
(Now THAT’s a concept: Encourage people to join the USA masters team for worlds! All you have to do is ask!)
Anyway, feel free to write Tom Jackovic and make a case for funding your masters project. Best of luck!
5 Responses
Ken, As you already know some of us have turned 70 & it would be a nice jesture on the part of the IMAF in that being it is a hundred k race. We can put in for a stipend now because when we get to be 100 years of age maybe the $5000 usatf foundation has will grow interest and we can have tickets to the world games masters 100 kilometers .Perhaps if we start training now we can get into shape to go the distance! Like Bill Cosby told me at the recent MILLROSE GAMES & I quote (did’nt say how fast he will be running) or myself for that matter. And to think that Craig Maskback used to compete for my old N.Y.PIONEER team makes it more personal. Let’s get the program rolling Craig!! You are the man in charge . We are asking for you to become Aware! Open up the check book for the Master’s athletes all over the United States. For they are the true foundation of USATF! And why not??
I agree with Rich – at 71 and aging rapidly (for some reason I seem to be aging faster once I hit 65) and now I need to start training for a 100k race! Wow – by the time I reach 100 – maybe I will be ready – or maybe I will have worn down my feet and legs to just bloody nubs. I have run 42k races – but not for years – and hate to think how many days it might take me to run 100k.
I am not holding out for any $ from the foundation. At age 71 I am getting slower – and who is interested in W 70 plus runners anyway – aside from friends, family, and club mates who are are kind to old ladies with greying hair. I figure that by the time I hit 72 – I will be what the Japanese call a Christmas cake – stale and pretty useless. Money from a foundation – LOL – what a joke – and too bad that USATF has such a negative view of masters – after all none of us will live forever and some of us will have $$ to leave to something – family – foundations, – whatever – but why leave it to the USATF Foundation – good question – no good answer – don’t call me – I will call you – maybe – meanwhile – don’t hold your breath.
Ken,
I’d like to provide one clarification. The International Masters Athletics Foundation that you spoke of MAY be writing checks. But I doubt that it’s for anyone who’s not part of their ultra-distance group.
About a year or so ago, I contacted the president of the foundation, Katy Cotten, in hopes that the IMAF could provide financial assistance in my quest to participate in the World Championships.
I provided her with my track “resume” and bio…
To make a long story short, she sent me a template of a Microsoft Word document for me to send to potential sponsors. That was the extent of the “help” I received from the IMAF.
So, if you know that the IMAF is sponsoring TRACK & FIELD athletes, I’d sure be interested to know who it is
Note that the ultra championships in Holland, like all WMA championships, will have prizes in 5-year age groups. So it’s not about being over 70; you’re just complaining that the money is going to some other event, not your own.
Quick Silver
Hong Kong
I doubt that Quick Silver. Dexter was not complaining Just stating the facts as they were presented to him! Hey,Dexter I am going to get in touch with Katy Cotten to see if it was a rule regulated by IMAF. And ask for the potential list of sponsers ! AND WHY NOT ??
Leave a Reply