About the Reno Rodeo Foundation
Official Tagline
Helping children overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
Vision
A future where every child and young adult has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the adversity they face.
Mission
Shaped by tradition and fueled by the community, the Reno Rodeo Foundation helps children and young adults across Northern Nevada feel valued, supported, and never forgotten.
What We Do
The Reno Rodeo Foundation helps children and young adults experiencing adversity move from crisis toward stability, opportunity, and independence. Across 14 Northern Nevada counties, our four core programs provide critical resources, meaningful experiences, educational opportunities, and a connected support system that meets immediate needs while building greater stability and brighter futures.
Programs
Our Denim Drive provides brand-new clothing, shoes, hygiene essentials, and comfort items to children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or the trauma of entering foster care. By working directly with caseworkers and community agencies, we ensure children receive immediate support and the dignity of choosing new items at a time when so much else is uncertain.
Our Reading Rooms create safe, child-focused spaces within courthouses where children often face some of the most stressful moments of their lives. In collaboration with court staff, we provide high-quality, age-appropriate books and ranch-themed stuffed animals. These spaces support literacy while offering comfort and a sense of calm in an otherwise intimidating environment.
Our Rodeo Wish program provides personalized support to children with long-term medical, mental, and developmental challenges. Guided by nominations from their care teams — medical providers, therapists, social workers, and educators — we design experiences that bring moments of relief, connection, and joy for both the child and their family.
Our Scholarships program supports students across Northern Nevada as they pursue higher education, trade programs, and career training. With a focus on foster youth and those following nontraditional paths, these scholarships remove barriers and create real opportunities for long-term independence.
Funding
Our more than $1.1 million annual budget is sustained through the generosity of our community and the strength of our partnerships. The Reno Rodeo Association, our founding organization, provides approximately 27% of our annual funding. Additional support comes from the Reno Rodeo specialty license plate program, individual contributions, sponsorships, grants, and our signature fundraising events, including Bingo Brunch, Texas Hold ’Em, and Biggest Little Shootout.
Our History
The Reno Rodeo Foundation was established in 1986 to ensure that the success of the Reno Rodeo created meaningful impact for residents across Northern Nevada. In 2004, the Foundation became a 501(c)(3) public charity, expanding its ability to raise funds, build partnerships, and serve the community.
Over the years, the Foundation and Reno Rodeo Association have helped make significant community investments possible, including a horseback-riding facility for students with special needs at Marvin Picollo School in 2001 and the $2.6 million Kids’ Kampus Activity Center for children in protective custody in 2008.
Today, the Foundation focuses its resources on its own programs serving children and young adults experiencing adversity throughout Northern Nevada. The Reno Rodeo Association remains our largest donor and a deeply valued partner, continuing a relationship that has been central to our work since the beginning.
With the support of nearly 1,000 Reno Rodeo volunteers, donors, and community partners, that legacy continues to grow.
Our Future
The Reno Rodeo Foundation is strengthening and expanding our core programs, deepening community partnerships, and building on a strong foundation to ensure our work remains sustainable and responsive to the evolving needs of children and young adults across Northern Nevada.
As we grow, we remain committed to providing meaningful support when it matters most and ensuring that every child and young adult we serve feels seen, supported, and never forgotten.