Dave Kitchell Endowment Giving Circle
GIVE
What is the Dave Kitchell Endowment Giving Circle?
Established in 2025, the giving circle is a group of people who, like you, want to honor Dave Kitchell by helping kids in our community. Through the giving circle, you can join with others to pool resources and decide how those resources will be used to support youth programs in Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix in Dave’s name. This collective giving opportunity amplifies the impact that the Dave Kitchell Endowed Fund can bring to youth participating in sports.
The Dave Kitchell Endowed Fund
The Dave Kitchell Endowed Fund was established by the Kitchell Family to honor Dave, who was a beloved coach at Ashland High School and elementary school teacher from 1984 until his death in 2007. The fund carries on the positive impact he had on the lives of young people
through his work with the sports program at Ashland High School.
The Dave Kitchell Endowment will help alleviate barriers to participation in sports for student athletes in Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix, through the funding of sports-related opportunities including scholarships, the purchase of equipment and uniforms, training for coaches, costs related to travel for competitions, and more.
“My dad genuinely cared for and helped others and was well known for his mantra, ‘we love and care for each other,’ a phrase that perfectly sums up the intense passion and care he had for those around him.”
– Brian Kitchell, ACHF Board Member
Benefits of Participation
- You can connect to others who want to honor the memory of Dave Kitchell and support student athletes
- When resources are pooled, your gift will be matched by the endowment earnings
- As a member of the Giving Circle, you can help decide how resources are distributed in the community
- Your gift is tax-deductible
Join the Giving Circle
With a tax-deductible gift of $1,000, you can be part of the Dave Kitchell Endowment Giving Circle.
If you have questions about joining the giving circle, contact Boone Kizer at 541-482-0367 x3 or by email at boone.kizer@achfoundation.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my donation to the giving circle be used?
For the greatest success of the endowment, our support of the community, and efficiency, your gift will be allocated as follows:
- 70% will be available this year to fund youth sports programs
- 20% will be invested into the Dave Kitchell Endowment for future growth
- 10% will be used to support giving circle meetings and events
All gifts over and above the minimum of $1,000 will be directed to the endowment.
Do I have to join the giving circle to donate to the fund?
No, there are many donors who choose to contribute to the Dave Kitchell Endowment on their own. ACHF recognizes and appreciates all gifts to the endowment and will honor your individual preferences.
What youth sports groups are eligible to be nominated?
To be eligible, groups must
- be tax-exempt, either as a nonprofit organization or school group
- serve children and youth in Ashland, Talent, or Phoenix
- be based in Ashland, Talent, or Phoenix
How can I nominate a youth sports group?
A kickoff meeting will be held annually, where members will talk about the kinds of organizations you want to support. You will have the opportunity to nominate up to three organizations, K-12, or college youth sports groups. Nomination forms will be available at the meeting and are also available online for those that can’t attend the meeting.
What happens after I nominate?
ACHF staff will vet nominations to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. Those that meet the criteria will be notified and invited to submit a funding request.
How will I vote?
A selection meeting will be held annually where members will review the requests received from eligible nominees. Each member will vote for their top organizations at the meeting. Voting will also be available online for those who can’t attend in person.
How much will the groups be able to receive?
The amount will vary each year based on giving circle membership and the endowment earnings. At the annual kickoff meeting, members will establish the grant award amount. Each youth sports group selected will receive the same amount. ACHF strives to be impactful in its grant program.
What happens after groups receive funds?
Following the selection meeting, members have the chance to meet the recipients at a special celebration hosted by ACHF.
The group I nominated wasn’t selected and I want to make a gift to support them.
Donors who wish to directly support a cause are encouraged to do so independently of the Dave Kitchell Endowment and the Giving Circle. ACHF staff would be happy to work with you one-on-one to facilitate your contribution. Please contact Boone Kizer at 541-480-0367 x3.
The nomination window will open in April 2026.
