Over the course of time I have discovered what I believe is a serious gap in services for former student athletes who have been injured while participating in a NCAA sanctioned sport. These athletes have dedicated not only their hearts and minds, but also their bodies, to the success and proliferation of their respective collegiate athletic programs. Many of these athletes have sustained long-term, chronic health problems as a result of that dedication. Debilitating injuries are often left untreated, only exacerbating the problem.
The goal in the creation of the Foundation for Athletes in Need (FAN, Inc.) is to assist these under- and uninsured individuals in obtaining relevant, professional services. We will move forward, tapping into the resources available through organizations such as the NCAA, athletic departments, letter winner clubs, alumni associations, and the relative media outlets.
I believe that FAN, Inc. could, in time, be self-supporting, with the goal being that the bulk of funds would arise from organizations and businesses affiliated with collegiate athletics. Since football has the most participants and injuries, we would expect the bulk of the funds to come from football-related enterprises, and be directly proportional to the applications for assistance.
In the start-up phase, it will be critical to determine the extent of the problem. Your feedback as to personal dealings with NCAA sports-related injuries and/or your knowledge regarding the problem of athletes with limited medical access (due to financial constraints) is desperately needed. After obtaining any necessary authorization, we plan to use the information provided to create a database of those in need. This database and the information it contains will be used only to substantiate the necessity of FAN, Inc. The Federal Privacy Act and its mandates will be strictly adhered to. We will use these data to influence those who may be valuable assets in the formation and continuation of the foundation.
I am in the final steps of obtaining 501-c(3) status as required by the IRS for establishment of a charitable organization. A Board of Directors has been formed to direct the activities of FAN, Inc. Their names are available online at http://www.faninc.org.
Your timely response is requested and I thank you in advance for your careful consideration in this matter.
We need to identify the extent of the problem and how many former athletes may need help. I can only do this with your help. Also, should you or someone you know have a professional background and would consider assisting in the development and growth of FAN, Inc., please advise, so we can make contact and determine the extent of their participation. We need an attorney(s) specializing in tax law, particularly as it relates to nonprofit organizations. We need counsel on matters of public and media relations, accounting, in addition to access to any persons of influence who have participated in collegiate athletics. 