Bristol, RI (December 16, 2021) – The Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation will match, dollar for dollar, up to $5 million, all gifts for the Siebel Sailors Program made to the US Sailing Foundation by December 31, 2022. This gift provides an opportunity for individual donors, businesses, and foundations to increase their impact twofold.
“We are honored to continue and increase our support of this transformative program,” said Tom Siebel. “Our intent is to leverage our gift with the generosity of others across the country to inspire a new generation of diverse young sailors.”
Created in 2019, the Siebel Sailors Program increases opportunity, access, and diversity in the sport of sailing. Over the past two years, more than 1,000 young sailors at 20 Community Sailing Centers across the US have benefited from the Program. Once $5 million in gifts are raised and then matched with $5 million from the Siebel Foundation, the Siebel Sailors will grow from 1,000 sailors to 7,500, from 20 Centers to 40, from five regions to 10, and from one coach per region to two.
The Siebel Sailors Program is unique in its drive to engage youth from diverse backgrounds, provide scholarships for under-resourced children, and adapt to meet the needs of the individual sailors. Coaches mentor students to develop a lifelong mindset of problem-solving and confidence while the youth have fun and acquire a love of sailing.
“Tom and Stacey Siebel had the progressive vision for what the Siebel Sailors Program could be, and the incredible generosity to make it a reality,” said US Sailing CEO Alan Ostfield. “After the success of its inaugural years, we are grateful for their continued generosity enabling us to deepen and expand this terrific program.”
“The US Sailing Foundation can’t thank Tom and Stacey enough for their generosity,” said Bill Ruh, Chair of the US Sailing Foundation. “We’re looking forward to the challenge of raising $5 million to match Stacey and Tom’s gift and thereby multiplying the impact of the Program.”
Siebel Sailors Program Manager, Blair Overman, knows first-hand what this meaningful gift can do. “Siebel Sailors feel heard,” said Overman. “Because they are actively involved in the learning experience, they are more likely to stick with the Program even when the lessons get harder. This retention helps set the stage for long-term participation, rather than a one-and-done introductory experience. Siebel Sailors will be the face of sailing for years to come and we plan to support the entirety of their journey.”
You can help meet the Siebel match and double your impact by making a gift here: Annual Appeal – Siebel Sailors – US Sailing, sending a check to the US Sailing Foundation at 1 Roger Williams University Way, Bristol, RI 02809, or calling the Foundation at 401-342-7922. For more information about transformative gift opportunities, please contact Chief Development Officer Jill Nosach at jillnosach@ussailingfoundation.org.
About the US Sailing Foundation
The US Sailing Foundation is the fundraising arm of the US Sailing Association (USSA) and is committed to the advancement of the USSA in a variety of ways, including soliciting support for and promoting USSA programs and activities. The US Sailing Association determines strategy and develops campaigns, programs and activities that expand access and participation in sailing, promote excellence in training, and provide sailors opportunities for advancement to the highest levels of competition. For more information, visit www.ussailing.org/about/ussf/.