THE FOUNDERS OF FLAME

BBQ Education Foundation

Founders of the Flame

Building the Future of Education—From the First Spark

Great movements are built by leaders willing to step forward early—leaders who believe in education, mentorship, and the responsibility to invest in the next generation.

Founders of the Flame is the premier legacy giving society of the NHSBBQA Education Foundation, bringing together visionary individuals and organizations who are helping establish, strengthen, and sustain a national movement centered on hands-on education, workforce readiness, and student opportunity.

Why Founders of the Flame Matters

A strong workforce begins long before a student enters a job site or college campus. It begins when education and industry unite to create real-world learning experiences that inspire confidence, purpose, and direction.

Founders of the Flame members help:

• Bridge education and workforce pathways

• Expand access to Career & Technical Education (CTE)

• Support teachers and schools with meaningful resources

• Ensure students learn skills that translate into lifelong success

This is early investment with lasting impact.

The Cornerstone of Our Philanthropic Leadership

Founders of the Flame represents the highest level of philanthropic leadership within the NHSBBQA Education Foundation®.

Member support fuels:

• Student scholarships and equitable access

• School and program start-up and expansion

• Teacher training and professional development

• Workforce-aligned curriculum and project-based learning

• Leadership, character, and life-skills education

These investments help build a sustainable foundation for generations of students to come.

Who Becomes a Founder of the Flame?

This society is composed of:

• Industry pioneers and business leaders

• Entrepreneurs and corporate partners

• Community champions and mentors

• Education advocates committed to student success

Founders understand that lasting change is created at the beginning, not after the fact.

Giving Levels & Commitment

Individual Founders

• Annual pledge of $500 - $2,500

Business & Organizational Founders

• Annual pledges of $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000

• Multi-year commitments encouraged to ensure long-term stability and program growth

Long-term support allows the Foundation to plan responsibly, expand reach, and measure meaningful outcomes.

Why Leaders Choose to Become Founders

Founders of the Flame:

• Lead with purpose and vision

• Champion education that works

• Strengthen America’s future workforce

• Align their legacy with student impact

They don’t just support programs—they help ignite a movement.

Recognition & Legacy

Founders of the Flame are recognized as:

• Foundational supporters of the NHSBBQA Education Foundation®

• Visionaries investing in education and opportunity

• Leaders shaping the future of workforce development

Their legacy is written in students served, schools strengthened, and lives changed.

Join the Founders of the Flame

Movements begin when leaders act.

If you believe:

• Education should be hands-on and inspiring

• Workforce readiness starts in our schools

• Mentorship and opportunity change lives

Then we invite you to join Founders of the Flame.

Become a Founder. Ignite the Future.

Together, we can light the first spark—and ensure the flame burns for generations to come.

A True leader leads and lights the fire for the next generation to enjoy and carry on one spark at a time!

"Education is NOT the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire"

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NHSBBQA Education Foundation
is the public-facing name of the BBQ Education Foundation,
a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN - 41-2464833 dedicated to advancing
youth culinary education, live-fire learning, and career pathways
through the National High School BBQ Association® ecosystem.

Legal Notice
The NHSBBQA BBQ Education Foundation is a separate legal entity from the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®).
Donations made on this page support the Foundation’s charitable mission and are not payments to NHSBBQA®.