WHAT IS TRUTHFC'S (TFC) MISSION STATEMENT? WHAT ARE TFC'S VALUES?

Mission Statement:
"Sharing hope and love throughout the globe through the giving of soccer equipment"

Vision Statement:
"That through the sharing of hope and love, opportunities will be provided for people of all ages to feel empowered to change the world, live a hopeful life, and ultimately find the Truth found in Christ."

Values:

• Sports as a tool for ministry
  • At the center of TFC's central mission is to use sports as a means to spread hope and love throughout the globe. TFC focuses on finding trips that aim to use sporting equipment to enhance their experience by connecting to others in a unique way and draw in those that may not have otherwise come.
• Relationships as a part of transformation
  • TFC believes that relationships are a key part to healthy growth and transformation. On all levels of our organizations we aim to have healthy and flourishing relationships with our partners, staff, volunteers, and out-of-country friends. When are relationships our flourshing it opens a safe place to provide transformation.
• Generations as a tool for empowerment
  • TFC’s founder was 11 years old when she created TFC and 15 years old when it became a 501(c)3 non-profit. Because of this we believe that people of all ages have the ability to become world changers. This encourages us to have a generational work environment, motivate young and old people to chase after their dreams, and empower others to live out the calling placed on their heart.
• Christ as a center for Salvation
  • ​While TFC does not directly preach the gospel, we aspire to be bridge builders. We hope that through TFC others will find the hope, love, and grace that can only come from Jesus Christ. The ministries we send equipment to are largely long-term missionary/ministry-based organizations.
• ​Professionalism
  • ​TFC values a face of professionalism as it reaches a wide number of people all over the globe. The ways in which its employees and programs present themselves has a huge role in how TFC is perceived and who supports TFC.

WHY IS THE NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION TRUTHFC? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

TruthFC is a unique name that encompasses the values of TruthFC as a whole. While "FC" often stands for Futbol Club and stands out in the soccer community, the "FC" at the end of our name stands for Found in Christ. ​Thus making TFC's full name to be Truth Found in Christ. TruthFC received its name because of how it combines the game of soccer and the ultimate truth that we believe can only be found in Christ.

WHO FOUNDED TFC? HOW WAS TFC FOUNDED?

TruthFC was founded by an 11 year girl from Denver, CO. To read her story click HERE.

HOW DOES TRUTHFC APPROACH THE TOPIC OF "WHEN HELPING HURTS?"

TFC is very careful when evaluating the weight of how helping those in poverty can actually prove harmful. Each trip that TFC sends gear on is carefully evaluated and receives approval from the long-term organization being visited. This is to assure that TFC's involvement is truly beneficial. No two trips can be alike because each trip is very unique due to location and purpose. At times, TFC sees that it is more beneficial to provide a financial donation to purchase soccer equipment while in-country rather than simply ship soccer gear from the USA.

To learn more about how Helping Hurts, we recommend reading the book, When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert. Additional resources can be found at chalmers.org/

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR TFC TO BE A BRIDGE BUILDER?

TFC desires to play the role of bridge building in bringing together people of other cultures through the game of soccer. TFC helps those who have a heart to give to change the life of someone they have never met. To learn more click HERE.

WHERE IS TFC LOCATED?

TFC's headquarters are located north of Denver, CO. Additionally, there is a North Atlanta, Georgia hub site.

HOW DOES TFC DECIDE ON WHAT TRIPS TO SEND GEAR ON?

TFC looks at a number of factors when deciding to send equipment on a trip. This includes location, purpose, and lasting impact. TFC wants to make sure that each location is appropriate for TFC to send gear. TFC wants to make sure that the purpose of the trip falls in line with our own values and mission. TFC wants to make sure that the gear will have a lasting impact through ministries developed in the location being visited. In addition to these factors, it is important to receive permission from organizations being visited that the gear is accepted and will be put to appropriate use.

As TFC grows an application processes will be developed to determine which trips TFC sends gear on.

DOES TFC LEAD ALL OF THE TRIPS IT SENDS EQUIPMENT ON?

Currently, TFC does not lead any of the trips that it sends sporting equipment on. Rather, TFC acts as the Bridge Builder in getting soccer gear from one place to the next.

TFC hopes that with continued growth we will be able to lead annual trips yearly.

DOES A TFC STAFF MEMBER OR VOLUNTEER GO ON THESE TRIPS?

It is often mistaken that a TFC staff member or volunteer goes on the trips that take the equipment. Most trips do not include a TFC staff member or volunteer. In fact, TFC's Executive Director has only been on less than 10 of the 40+ trips TFC has sent gear on.

WHY DOES TFC HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL FOCUS?

TFC has an international focus because that is where sporting equipment is most highly demanded. Many overseas organizations use sports as a tool for outreach. Additionally, there are few state-side organizations that help with providing sporting equipment internationally to those that do not have access to it.

If TFC does find that someone in the states who is in need of gear, we would happily give it as appropriate.

IS TFC'S IMPACT LONG LASTING?

TFC strives to make its impact long lasting when sending equipment. This is why TFC only sends sporting equipment with people visiting a strongly rooted organization that will be able to continue to feed into the lives of those that receive the soccer gear.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE TEAM?

There are a number of ways that you can become a part of the TFC team of world changers! This includes but not limited to:

• Hosting a gear drive
• Volunteering at an event
• Become a part of the volunteer staff team
• Help expand TFC's network
• Join the Board of Directors
• Have coffee with the Executive Director to share how you want to be more involved with TFC

HOW CAN I DONATE SPORTING EQUIPMENT?

This can be done in a variety of ways including dropping gear off at a collection site, mailing equipment, or meeting a staff member at a specific location. Contact us to find what the best option for you is.

ARE DONATIONS TAX-DEDUCTABLE?

TruthFC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (Tax ID #47-5216627), both your financial and in-kind donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

WHAT IS A GEAR DRIVE?

Gear drives are a great way for one to become involved in TFC. They can be conducted in a variety of ways and most anyone can host one. They best way to describe them would be comparing them to a toy drive. A gear drive provides a place for multiple people to drop of his/her donation of equipment. The collected gear is then dropped off at TFC's location or is picked up by a staff member or volunteer.

CAN I HOST A GEAR DRIVE?

You can help with a gear drive by hosting one at a location you see fit. This could be having a box at the school office or in the locker room or even at a soccer practice. It is important that you go through the appropriate means and receive approval to host a collection at the location of your choice. Additionally, please contact us to let us know that you're hosting a collection so we can provided with you with any help or materials you may need.

DO OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS AND SCHOOLS DONATE TO TFC?

TFC partners with local high schools, middle schools, and church organizations to collect gear and raise funds. Additionally, Executive Director, Jayla Elstad, does public speaking events sharing her story and the challenge she's undergone in following her calling. If you are a part of a school or organization that would be willing to support TFC , please contact us!

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DOES TFC COLLECT?

TFC collects both new and used sporting equipment. Our main focus is on soccer equipment, but we also collect baseball, basketball, and track equipment. In regards to soccer, there is always a high demand for soccer balls, ball pumps, cleats, full team uniform sets, and coaching equipment (i.e. cones, pinnies, clipboards...).

WHY DOES TFC COLLECT USED EQUIPMENT?

TFC collects used equipment because it is often still in great condition for use. This is largely due to youth out growing their gear, teams receiving new uniforms, and the desire to purchase better quality gear. A great example of this, is that many soccer teams across the USA sign two year contracts with a big named company, which results in them having to purchase new uniforms every two years. Uniforms that are only worn on game days are often in top condition. A team who does not have a uniform would embrace such uniforms with great joy.

Please note, that all gear that is donated to TFC goes through a equipment check and cleaning process. Any gear that does not meet TFC's standards is discarded appropriately.

WHY DOES TFC FOCUS ON SOCCER EQUIPMENT?

To answer this simply, soccer is the world's favorite sport. According to FIFA, "265 million male and female players in addition to 5 million referees and offi cials make a grand total of 270 million people – or 4% of the world’s population – who are actively involved in the game of football." This number is small in comparison to the fans of the sport and those that do not have access to play on a club team. TFC hopes because of soccer's large popularity across the world, that we can share hope and love through this beautiful game whether on the streets of Peru, in the markets of Mexico, a school in Tanzania, or anywhere the game is being played.

DOES TFC SEND MORE THAN SOCCER EQUIPMENT?

While TFC does collect sporting equipment other than soccer gear, it has yet to send this equipment on a trip that needs it for a sport specific focus. TFC hopes to expand to sending other sporting equipment regularly beginning with baseball and softball within the next 5 years.