NHSBBQA Education Foundation - FAQs

BBQ Education Foundation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Clear Answers. Trusted Information. Student-Focused Support.

The NHSBBQA Education Foundation is committed to transparency and clear communication. Below you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about our mission, scholarships, donations, governance, and operations.

If you don’t see your question here, we welcome you to contact us directly.

About the Foundation

What is the NHSBBQA Education Foundation?

The NHSBBQA BBQ Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting student education, workforce readiness, and career-connected learning through barbecue, live-fire cooking, culinary arts, agriculture, hospitality, and Career & Technical Education (CTE).

Is the Foundation a nonprofit?

Yes. The NHSBBQA Education Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) public charity.

How is the Foundation related to NHSBBQA®?

The NHSBBQA Education Foundation is a separate legal entity from the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®).

While NHSBBQA® operates educational programming, leagues, and competitions, all charitable donations, scholarships, and educational awards are administered solely by the Foundation.

Scholarships & Awards

Who can apply for scholarships?

Scholarships are available to eligible middle school and high school students, and in some cases recent graduates, who are pursuing educational pathways aligned with the Foundation’s mission.

Specific eligibility requirements vary by scholarship opportunity.

Are scholarships based on competition results?

No. Scholarships and educational awards are not based on competition placement or results.

All awards are granted using objective, nondiscriminatory criteria focused on education, skill development, leadership, and need (when applicable).

Are scholarships cash awards?

No. Scholarships are educational awards, not cash prizes or stipends.

Funds may be used only for approved educational purposes such as tuition, certifications, instructional materials, or approved educational travel.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee using written scoring rubrics. Final approval is provided by the Board of Directors.

Donations & Giving

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. Donations to the BBQ Education Foundation may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor regarding deductibility.

How are donations used?

All donations are used exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including scholarships, educational resources, workforce readiness initiatives, and access-focused programs.

Can I designate my donation for a specific purpose?

Yes. Donors may support general operations or choose restricted giving options, such as scholarships or educational resources, when available.

Governance & Transparency

Who oversees the Foundation?

The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors, supported by committees and formal policies that ensure ethical operation and financial stewardship.

How does the Foundation ensure fairness?

The Foundation maintains written policies governing:

• Scholarship eligibility and scoring

• Award acceptance and disbursement

• Conflict of interest disclosures

• Revocation and appeals

These safeguards ensure fairness, accountability, and compliance with nonprofit best practices.

Does the Foundation publish financial information?

Yes. Financial reports and required IRS filings are published on the Foundation’s Financial Reports page as they become available.

Operations & Compliance

Can the Foundation and NHSBBQA® share an address?

Yes. The Foundation and NHSBBQA® may share a mailing address. What matters is legal, financial, and operational separation, which the Foundation maintains.

Does donating provide competitive advantage?

No. Donations do not provide ownership, influence, or competitive advantage in any NHSBBQA® program or competition.

Getting Involved

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to support the Foundation, including:

• Making a charitable donation

• Serving as a partner or sponsor

• Supporting students and educational initiatives

For inquiries, please visit our Contact Us page.

How do I contact the Foundation?

You can reach us through our Get in Touch page or by using the contact information provided on our website.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help.

Contact the NHSBBQA Education Foundation

Transparency Builds Trust

We believe that clear answers build confidence—and confidence allows us to focus on what matters most: supporting students through education.

DONATE NOW

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 CTE 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®.