Our History

The Reno Rodeo Foundation was established in 1986 as a private foundation to ensure that proceeds from the annual Reno Rodeo—a cherished community event produced entirely by volunteers since 1919—would directly benefit the residents of Northern Nevada. While this structure allowed the Foundation to distribute funds effectively, its classification as a private foundation limited its ability to expand fundraising efforts beyond the Reno Rodeo Association’s direct contributions. To increase financial sustainability, diversify funding sources, and enhance its ability to receive grants, corporate sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations from the public, the Foundation transitioned to a 501(c)(3) public charity in 2004. This reclassification provided significant legal and financial advantages, including eligibility for broader philanthropic support, tax-exempt status for donors, and compliance with federal guidelines that prioritize public benefit organizations. As a result, the Foundation has been able to expand its reach, increase financial transparency, and better serve Northern Nevada’s children and families.

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees was strategically designed to include both rodeo volunteers and community leaders. Guided by its bylaws, the Board oversees scholarships, grants, and endowments to support the region’s youth. Initially, the Reno Rodeo Association provided nearly all funding, enabling the Foundation to award substantial scholarships—primarily to rural Nevada students at the University of Nevada, Reno—and grants to nonprofits.

In 2001, the Foundation expanded its impact with its first major capital project, building a horseback riding facility for students with special needs at Marvin Picollo School. This success led to a second capital campaign, culminating in the Kids’ Kampus Activity Center in 2008—a $2.6 million facility featuring a gymnasium, computer lab, and classrooms for abused and neglected children in protective custody.

Current Programs & Impact

Today, the Reno Rodeo Foundation serves abused, neglected, and at-risk children across 14 Northern Nevada counties through impactful programs, including:

• Scholarships for undergraduate students at accredited local colleges and universities
• The Reno Rodeo Wish program, granting life-changing experiences to children in need
• The annual Denim Drive, providing purchase cards to social workers for foster children’s essentials (clothing, coats, shoes, hygiene items)
• Reading Rooms, offering new books and teddy bears to children navigating family court

With the dedication of nearly 1,000 Reno Rodeo volunteers, the Reno Rodeo Foundation continues to maximize community partnerships, financial impact, and long-term support for Northern Nevada’s children. While the Foundation has expanded far beyond its original role as the charitable arm of the Reno Rodeo, the Reno Rodeo Association remains our largest donor, ensuring that proceeds from the area’s biggest and longest-running annual professional sports event directly benefit children in need. Through its growing scope, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has solidified its identity as a trusted leader in children’s services, leveraging its resources to create lasting, meaningful change.