Purpose:  Financial aid to athletes pursuing a career as an Olympian is often hard to come by prior to winning an Olympic medal.  The Arizona Amateur Athlete Endowment would help supplement the living and training costs for athletes who reside in Arizona for the purpose of training for the Olympic games.

Funding:  The primary funding source for the AAAE would come from, but is not limited to, Arizona businesses and residents.  The money donated will be tax exempt to the individuals making the donation according to not-for-profit law.  It will be invested according to not-for-profit law in such a way that only the interest will be available to meet the demands of the applicants except in the rare occasion that the endowment makes little (less than %) or no interest.  In such a case, if allowable by not-for-profit law, a maximum of 5% of the endowment’s value will be able to be disbursed.  The endowment will be managed and disbursed according to not-for-profit law. 

Eligibility:  Athletes must be able to demonstrate that they are training in Arizona for a period of no less than four months out of a 12-month period.  The four-month period does not need to be consecutive.  Athletes must be a US Citizen and must be training for a position on a US Olympic summer or winter team.  There is no restriction on the number of years that an athlete can be funded provided they can demonstrate adequate progress towards making an Olympic team.  A salary cap will be enforced in order to focus on the athletes who are need the money the most.  Athletes will not be allowed to apply if they are currently making more than $50,000 in endorsements and/or more than $75,000 from a job.  These numbers will be increased over time due to inflation.  Athletes who have already made their National Governing Body’s national team will have priority over athletes who are attempting to make their NGB’s national team for the first time.

Proof of Eligibility:  Two of the following documents will be required as evidence that the athlete intends on living and training in Arizona for up to four months out of a 12-month period:  A copy of an Arizona drivers license with a current residence, a letter from an Arizona employer, a letter from an Arizona educational institution, and/or an Arizona training facility.  The letters must state the association with the athlete, the location of the employer, educational institution, or training facility as well as the dates they will be working, attending school, or training.  In the event that an athlete will not be able to provide two of the above-mentioned documents, they will need to write an explanation in their application.  It will then be up to the selection committee as to whether or not they will accept the athlete’s application. Should it be needed, a copy of a birth certificate or documentation from the government proving US citizenship will be required of all applicants. 

Applications & Disbursements:  Applications will be considered on an annual basis and funds can be disbursed to as little as one athlete or to as many as have applied provided that funds are available.  Athletes will be allowed to apply for whatever amount they feel is appropriate and it will be up to the selection committee to determine what percentage of the athlete’s request will be granted.  Applications will be available online at a website that will be set up to facilitate the AAAE.  All applications will be blind to race, sex, age, religious, marital, and familial status as well as any other statuses laid out by not-for-profit law.  Applications will require the athlete to submit two letters of recommendation in addition to their proof of eligibility.  The first letter should be from either their coach or NGB.  The second letter should come from an employer, educator, sports psychologist or other non-family member who has interacted with the athlete in a professional manner within the last few years.  Both letters should demonstrate the knowledge of the athlete’s goal to make an Olympic team and should expand on the character of the athlete and why they will most likely accomplish their goal.  It is permissible that the same person who wrote the proof of eligibility letter write the letter of recommendation.

Selection Committee:  The selection committee will be based on the requirements predetermined by not-for-profit law.  If possible, a former Arizona Olympian will be asked to sit on the committee.