The BC Elite U20 Development Endowment was created in September 2026 to provide funding to qualified Men’s U20 players in British Columbia, and had as its initial seed donors, Kevin Mahon, Randy Heward and Mike Holmes. Each of these donors has an unwavering belief in, and history of supporting Canada’s U20 program, and with this new fund, will focus development funding in BC, in partnership with BC Rugby.
FUND PURPOSE:
The BC Elite U20 Development Endowment Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment that are consistent with the broad objects and purposes of Trustees of the BC Elite U20 Development Endowment, Rugby Canada, and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada while meeting all CRA requirements. Specifically, disbursements from the Fund are to be used for the development of elite men under 20 athletes through enhanced U20 competition in British Columbia, with a goal to developing athletes’ pathway to the Canadian Sr. Men’s team.
Though BC-based, the BC Elite U20 Development Endowment Fund will complement and collaborate with the Foundation’s Men’s Age-grade Rugby Fund, and will work cooperatively with the Rugby Canada U20 program.
During the first five (5) years only following the Fund’s creation, the club has the option of splitting all new donations into two parts:
- 50% of donations into the permanent endowment portion of the Fund. These donations are eligible for the Foundation’s matching contributions
- A maximum of 50% into a portion of the Fund that is available for annual operating expenses as listed below. This is only available for new funds in their first five years while the fund is at an embryonic stage, and where the needs of the club’s operations need to be balanced with the long-term needs of the club’s sustainability. These donations are not eligible for the Foundation’s matching contributions. Decisions on the amount and use of these funds are to be made by the Trustees of the Fund. The current plan is to make these monies available starting in the 2027 year.
The following are examples of the kinds of projects or uses for which a disbursement or grant may be approved.
OPERATING EXPENSES including but not limited to any of the following:
- Competitions
- Team travel and accommodations, team kit
- Talent identification, and training
- Coaches and staff compensation and honoraria
- Player awards
- Needs-based financial assistance to players
- Facilities rent
Trustees / CRF Fund Representatives:
Decisions regarding the amounts and uses of annual fund disbursements are made by the Trustees of the Fund, who are also the CRF Fund Representatives. The current trustees are:
1. Kevin Mahon
2. Randy Heward
3. Mike Holmes
4. Doug Tate, or other representative designated by the CEO of BC Rugby from time to time.
The BC Rugby U20 Development Program is described here.
TO DONATE TO THE BC ELITE U20 DEVELOPMENT ENDOWMENT FUND, GO HERE:
