ADOPT AN
ATHLETE POLICY

Purpose

The Adopt an Athlete Fund exists to support youth (ages 18 and under) in Nebraska who wish to participate in Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) events but face financial barriers. This fund helps ensure all youth have the opportunity to experience the benefits of sports regardless of their economic situation.

Eligibility

  • Must be 18 years old or younger.
  • Must be a Nebraska resident.
  • Must demonstrate financial need.
  • Funding is available only for event registration fees for NSC events (e.g., Cornhusker State Games, Pumpkin Run, etc.).
  • Priority will be given to first-time applicants.

Application Process

  1. Online Application Form: All requests must be submitted through the official Adopt an Athlete application form HERE. (Email or phone requests will not be accepted.)
  2. Information Required:
    • Athlete name, age, and city of residence
    • Parent/guardian contact information
    • Event(s) the athlete wishes to participate in
    • Brief explanation of financial need
    • Confirmation that the applicant has not received funding for the same athlete in the current calendar year
    • Agreement to share a photo and a brief quote (optional, but encouraged) for donor reporting purposes

Funding Limits

  • Maximum award per athlete: $50 per calendar year
  • Maximum award per family: $150 per calendar year (across multiple children)
  • Awards will be applied directly to event registration—no cash awards will be given.

Review & Approval Process

  • Applications will be reviewed by NSC staff on a rolling basis, with a 7-10 business day response time.
  • Approval is subject to fund availability and event deadlines.
  • NSC reserves the right to request additional documentation or decline requests without further explanation.

Post-Award Requirements

  • Recipients are encouraged to send a short thank-you note or photo to share with donors.
  • If the recipient does not participate in the event and does not communicate a reason, future applications may be denied.

Communication