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U.S. Fencing Foundation Becomes Philanthropic Arm of USA Fencing

09/30/2022, 8:00am CDT
By Bryan Wendell

This change, which aligns with the approach taken by most other national governing bodies in the United States, means that all donations will be managed by the Foundation and distributed to USA Fencing programs or maintained in the Foundation endowment for the long-term sustainability of the sport.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A fencer’s support system extends well beyond their coach standing stripside and their family and friends cheering them on back home.

That support system includes the network of donors whose generosity helps grow and sustain fencing at all levels of the sport — from the youngest Y-10 fencers to cadets, juniors, seniors, parafencers and veterans.

In an effort to streamline those fundraising efforts and maximize efficiency, USA Fencing today announces that the United States Fencing Foundation will become the philanthropic arm of USA Fencing beginning Oct. 1, 2022. 

This change, which aligns with the approach taken by most other national governing bodies in the United States, means that all donations will be managed by the Foundation and distributed to USA Fencing programs or maintained in the Foundation endowment for the long-term sustainability of the sport.

"As we collectively embrace an extended vision of what is possible, a more streamlined structure has been established,” says Robert Zagunis, president of the Foundation’s board and the father of two-time Olympic champion Mariel Zagunis. “The United States Fencing Foundation is now the main organization for fundraising, supporting the operating efforts of USA Fencing.”

Zagunis says that the U.S. Fencing Foundation wants to meet its members where they are by matching potential donors with areas of real need in our sport.

“For our extended fencing community, there is something for everyone to get behind: coaching education, safety, youth development, veterans, parafencing, competition at all levels, including the development of world champions, Olympians and Paralympians,” he says. “This is an exciting time to continue to grow and refine our sport, and all are invited to join the effort.”

The U.S. Fencing Foundation is dedicated to supporting the pursuit of excellence for fencers at all levels. By providing funds to teams, athletes and programs, the U.S. Fencing Foundation supports USA Fencing as it works to build champions and create a legacy for future generations of fencers.

Its priorities, as identified by USA Fencing members, include: 

  1.  Elite Athletes at all Levels — From the youngest Y-10 fencers to cadets, juniors, seniors and veterans, you can support our epee, foil, saber and parafencing athletes as they train and compete at home and at the toughest tournaments in the world.

  2. Sport Development — Growing the sport happens at the local level. You can help promote and support new clubs, build and strengthen parafencing programs, provide quality coach education and certification, showcase and market recreational fencing programs, and create grassroots and regional programs.

  3. Culture of the Sport — Nurture and support a healthy fencing community by investing in athlete safety; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives; and mental wellness initiatives to ensure our fencing family thrives and grows.

  4. Organization and Community — Invest in the vital daily operations of USA Fencing and our work with athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, armorers and club owners. Supporting these operations provides a solid foundation on which our sport can flourish. 

  5. Foundation Endowment — Help expand our long-term endowment to support future generations of fencers.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Change

  1. What if I already make a recurring donation to USA FencingDon’t worry. Your donation will still go exactly where you originally designated it to go. 
  2. How does this change affect the tax status of my gifts to USA Fencing/U.S. Fencing Foundation?

    There is no change. The United States Fencing Foundation is a nonprofit 509(a)(1) and all donations are 100% tax deductible. 
  3. Can I designate my donation to directly impact operations at USA Fencing? 

    ​​​​​​​Yes! All donations can be designated to where the donor sees fit. Just let us know and we will make it happen.

Consider a gift to the U.S. Fencing Foundation

Tag(s): Updates