The uniform funding
foundation

We provide uniforms, equipment, and mentorship to underserved youth athletes.

about us

making a difference

Adam Shibley, Founder of TUFF, was a sophomore linebacker on the University of Michigan football team when he realized the platform that Division 1 student-athletes have at their disposal. In 2018, Shibley founded The Uniform Funding Foundation, more commonly known as TUFF, which fights to level the playing field for youth athletes across the globe.

Recognizing the detrimental impact that participation costs have on creating equal opportunities for student-athletes, TUFF helps to alleviate the financial burden placed on individuals from low-income communities. Through our uniform/equipment donations, we support youth teams with new and safe uniforms, equipment, and gear while mandating that each program lower its pay-to-play fee.

Our mission

Founded by University of Michigan Football players to ensure equal opportunities throughout youth athletics. We provide uniforms, equipment, and mentorship to underserved youth athletes.

Identified problem

the harsh reality

As pay-to-play fees rise, many young children struggle financially to participate in athletics; more so, highly impoverished areas are increasingly unable to sustain youth teams– unfairly, hindering them from the vast array of benefits gained from sports. Additionally, that hindrance extends to a lack of mentorship in sports and academics for many of those children.

0% Of youth athletes in the middle and high school age range were charged a pay-to-play fee averaging $381 per season.
0.3% Of white children ages 6-17 participate in youth athletics while only 35.4% of black children and 34.3% of hispanic children participate.
0% Of children ages 6-12 that come from households with incomes under $25K are 2X more likely than youth that come from households with incomes ranging from $75k-$99K to NOT engage in any sports activity throughout the school year.
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Our vision

To be the premier nonprofit for people of the sports world.

Fundraising

We raise funds to provide underserved youth athletes with uniforms, equipment, and resources, ensuring equal access to sports.

Donation Events

Our donation events bring communities together to support youth athletes by providing essential gear and mentorship opportunities.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships to help cover costs like equipment and participation fees for deserving young athletes.

Pro Partners

Our mentorship programs connect youth athletes with experienced pro athletes to build confidence, leadership, and life skills.

tuff statistics

by the numbers

0+

athletes

impacted since our first uniform donation in August 2019.

0%

of individuals

we serve are children from minority communities.

0

STATES

have been impacted by our donations.

0

COUNTRIES

have been impacted by our donations.

0K

RAISED

since our inception in 2018.

Our CORE VALUES

These principles guide our mission to create equal opportunities for youth athletes, foster teamwork, and ensure that every athlete can reach their full potential, regardless of their background.

Community

We believe in the power of community, working together to create opportunities for youth athletes to succeed.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in everything we do, ensuring every athlete has the tools to reach their full potential.

Inclusion

We are committed to inclusion, ensuring that all youth, regardless of background, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in sports.