USHGF History

In the mid 80’s the United States Hang Gliding Association, now the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, established the United States Hang Gliding Foundation as a way to raise funds to support U.S. World Hang Gliding Team competitors. The Board of Directors wanted a way for funds to be donated on a tax deductible basis. It was determined they needed an organization separate from the Association because at the time it was believed that the USHGA was ineligible for tax-exempt status. As a result in 1987 the United Stated Hang Gliding Foundation was formed with the primarily mission to support the US hang gliding world teams. As it evolved, the foundation also directly supported the Women’s World Hang Gliding Team and the Paragliding World Team. The foundation financial support was primarily from within the competition community.

In late 2000, members of the USHGA Board of Directors decided to restructure the Foundation but with a somewhat different and expanded purpose. They wanted the Foundation to support site preservation, and safety and education as well as all competition. The BOD appointed a committee of BOD members and pilots from the general membership to work with accountants, attorneys and the IRS to complete the necessary requirements to ensure our 501(c)3 public charity status. They were also to review and amend the bylaws to fulfill the foundations new mission.

In October 2001 trustees were appointed and their first official meeting held. New bylaws were adopted and officers elected. The USHGA BOD also made the foundation stewards of the Douglas Evans, a safety fund, and the Charles Kocsis Fund, a site preservation fund, since they fit well within the new expanded mission. 

A list of the current trustees can be found under contacts.