Why do I give to the NIRSA Foundation? Over the past 30 years, the NIRSA Foundation has continuously evolved and adapted to help meet the greatest needs of NIRSA and its members. That adaptability inspired me to serve on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done through significant challenges particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Foundation was founded in 1992 by a group of NIRSA members who were passionate about building a culture of philanthropy within the NIRSA membership. As a 501c3 nonprofit, the mission of the NIRSA Foundation is to work in cooperation with NIRSA to enhance the effectiveness of collegiate recreational sports by providing its members meaningful opportunities for scholarship, research, and personal and professional development.
Since 1992, the NIRSA Foundation has:
- Produced the Recreational Sports Journal (RSJ), the peer-reviewed, scholarly journal for the field of campus recreation
- Awarded over 1,000 scholarships to student and professional NIRSA members to participate in educational and learning opportunities such as the NIRSA Annual Conference, NIRSA Facilities Institute, and the NIRSA School
- Provided membership dues waivers on an as-needed basis to NIRSA members during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Supported student officials through regional and national tournaments and clinics that have provided students with training, development, and connections to officiating opportunities that influence them well beyond their time in college
In 2014, the Foundation began funding research grants for the benefit of NIRSA members and the campus recreation profession. Since then, over $540,000 in grants has been awarded to support academic research to better understand the impact campus recreation has on student success and wellbeing. All grant recipients publish their findings in the Recreational Sports Journal (RSJ).
The NIRSA Foundation is committed to providing opportunities to our membership through scholarships, research grants, and professional development. Additionally, the NIRSA Foundation will provide financial support to in pursuit of the strategic goals of NIRSA, as well as support the organization’s expansion on the findings of the 2021 NIRSA Climate Research Study on Equity, Justice, and Inclusion.
In order to be successful, the NIRSA Foundation needs the financial support of its members. Please join me in celebrating 30 years by making a gift to the NIRSA Foundation today.
Join a global generosity movement this #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. This movement reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. The NIRSA Foundation is counted among a global network, collaborating to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.
Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. This #GivingTuesday, November 29, I ask that you join me and the other members of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors in making a gift to the Mission Advancement Fund, or to the dedicated fund that inspires you most.
All gifts are greatly appreciated and impact the NIRSA family.
- Learn more about the many easy ways you can support the future of campus recreation with a donation to the NIRSA Foundation’s Mission Advancement Fund by emailing the NIRSA Foundation today.
Larry Mellinger is currently the Director of Campus Recreation & Wellness at Elon University and President-elect of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors; you can reach him at lmellinger@elon.edu.
