Foundation

What Is It?

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation is a nonprofit corporation created under the laws of the state of Colorado on September 8, 1994. The organization was formed under the leadership of the Board of Directors of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo As- sociation in order to carry out certain educational and charitable activities in connection with the sport of collegiate rodeo.

What Will The Foundation Do?

The foundation has been organized exclusively to perform charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and, thus it is a true nonprofit foundation. Contributions of any amount may be made to established funds, or to the general fund.

Funds of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation:

  • INJURED ATHLETE RELIEF FUND
    The intention of the relief fund is to help alleviate hardships resulting from injury or accident in connection with National Intercollegiate Rodeo participation. The foundation board of directors or a relief fund committee will consider the injury as well as the financial need when allocating funds.
  • HISTORICAL PRESERVATION FUND
    The intention of the historical preservation fund is to collect and preserve historical information and memorabilia regarding collegiate rodeo.
  • SCHOLARSHIP FUND
    The intention of the scholarship fund is to award academic scholarships each year in June. Applicants must attend a NIRA member college or university; demonstrate a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00; be state financial assistance qualifed, or show credible evidence of financial need which meets the satisfaction of the foundation board of directors; and meet all NIRA eligibility requirements and be an active participant in NIRA sanctioned rodeo.
  • RAWHIDE FUND
    The intention of the RAWHIDE (Rodeo Athletes on Wellness) Fund is to promote positive choices in college rodeo athletes, concerning wellness. Each year RAWHIDE awards three scholarships; one to a man, one to a woman, and one to the RAWHIDE Team of the Year. RAWHIDE also hosts a motivational coaches breakfast at the College National Finals Rodeo in June.

History and Goals of the NIRA

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is an organization of colleges, university students, and faculty members who are interested in the sport of college rodeo and in the preservation of our western heritage.

Founded in 1948 by a small group of college students, the NIRA has been highly successful, and today is a well established collegiate sports organization in the United States. The NIRA, as a governing body, sanctions over 100 rodeos today, and grants membership to over 3,400 student members annually.

The association crowns national champions each year at the College National Finals Rodeo in June.

Additional Information

For further information on the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation please contact the:

National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association National Office
2033 Walla Walla Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 529-4402 Ph.
(509) 525-1090 Fax
[email protected]
www.collegerodeo.com

Download the NIR Foundation brochure.