In 2014, The Sporty’s Foundation made grants topping $148,000, bringing the grand total of grants since the foundation’s inception to more than $1 million.
The foundation recently released its 2014 annual report, which details the activities and bequests for the year. The report is available online at SportysFoundation.org.
Overhead and administrative costs for the foundation are funded entirely by Sporty’s Pilot Shop which means that every dollar donated goes to programs, not to salaries and rent, officials note.
“All of us who have enjoyed either a career in aviation, fly professionally or simply the ability to fly for fun are called to give back to the next generation,” says Sporty’s Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers. “We take that mandate very seriously.”
EAA’s Flight Plan continues to receive the largest bequest from The Sporty’s Foundation. While Young Eagles has been successful, until Flight Plan there was no place for motivated Young Eagles to continue pursuing their interest in aviation. To date, more than 30,000 Young Eagles have accessed Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course to continue their studies and 1,400 have earned a free first flying lesson.
The Sporty’s Foundation made grants during 2014 in the total amount of $148,500. This sum included grants for flight training and maintenance training scholarships as well as to aviation museums, the Boy Scouts of America, and others. A complete list of recipients is included in the report.
Online donations are also being accepted, either as a one-time payment or a recurring monthly charge. As a 501(c)3 foundation, all donations are tax deductible.