Marin Athletic Foundation (MAF) was founded in 1984 by individuals concerned about the decrease in funding for athletic programs in the Marin County high schools. The organization and the community members who volunteer their time and efforts for the organization believe that athletics are a vital part of every high school experience and provide important educational and developmental outcomes for students. The organization believes that school districts need community support to keep athletic programs from being eliminated and to ensure that broad participation by all students in both interscholastic and intramural programs continue.

 

The organization's new mission is to support Marin County's athletic programs by focusing on the health, safety, and injury prevention of all student athletes. MAF is establishing new initiatives that will provide students, faculty, and staff with assistance and resources to create a safer athletic experience for everyone. 

 

In 2015, MAF started a scholarship program for the recognized student athletes.  In its first year, the program handed out three, $1,000 scholarships. The Scholarship committee is working diligently to build an endowment to be able to hand these out in perpetuity, with a goal of $250,000 for that endowment. This would enable MAF to award $12,000 in scholarships annually. MAF would like to make an investment in these future leaders. In 2016, MAF hopes to hand out ten of these scholarships.

 

MAF continues to raise funds for Marin County high school interscholastic and intramural sports programs. The organization is supported primarily by donations from individuals and businesses throughout Marin County. The organization’s main fundraising events consist of a golf tournament held each spring and a mail fundraising campaign in autumn. Since Marin Athletic Foundation’s inception, the organization has donated more than $1 million towards high school athletic programs. 

 

The organization also sponsors two annual recognition events. The first is the Eva & Mario Ghilotti Outstanding Student Athlete Awards Banquet. This banquet recognizes two students from each high school - a young man and woman - who stand out as strong athletes, students, and public servants. The second event is the Marin Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame. Each year the organization inducts ten people: six athletes, one senior athlete, two coaches and one community member to the Marin Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame. Both events lend support to the organization’s belief of the positive impact athletics have on individuals throughout their lives.

 

The organization is led by the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff. The Board is made up of community leaders who are involved in numerous community projects and who are committed to working together towards the organization’s goals.