MISSION

Shaped by tradition and fueled by the community, the Reno Rodeo Foundation is committed to making sure every child in Northern Nevada feels valued, supported, and never forgotten.?

WHAT WE DO

The Reno Rodeo Foundation improves the lives of vulnerable children and families across 14 Northern Nevada counties through four core programs that meet urgent needs, foster resilience, and create opportunities for brighter futures.?

PROGRAMS

Our Denim Drive Program provides brand-new clothing, shoes, hygiene essentials, and comfort items to thousands of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or the trauma of entering foster care. By working directly with caseworkers and community agencies, we ensure that children receive immediate relief and the dignity of selecting brand-new items at a time when so much else has been taken away.?

Our Reading Rooms Program creates safe, child-friendly spaces within courthouses where children often face some of the most stressful moments of their lives. In collaboration with court staff, we stock these rooms with high-quality, age-appropriate books and ranch-themed stuffed animals. These environments promote literacy and emotional resilience, offering children comfort in an otherwise intimidating setting.?

Our Rodeo Wish Program grants life-changing experiences to children with long-term, non-terminal medical, mental, and developmental conditions. Guided by nominations from their care teams— doctors, nurses, therapists, nonprofit professionals, social workers, and school counselors—we design personalized wishes that lift entire families. These experiences provide joy and strength as families navigate ongoing challenges.?

Our Scholarship Program invests in the educational journeys of Northern Nevada students through both needs-based and merit-based awards. With a focus on foster youth and students pursuing alternative education paths such as trade schools, apprenticeships, and professional certifications, these scholarships remove barriers to opportunity and prepare the next generation of community leaders.?

FUNDING

Our nearly $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, contributes approximately 25–30% of our budget, while the State of Nevada provides an additional 10–12% through proceeds from the Reno Rodeo specialty license plate program. The remaining support comes from individual contributions, sponsorships, grants, and our three signature fundraising events: Bingo Brunch, Texas Hold ‘Em, and Biggest Little Shootout.