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Upward Unlimited

Upward Sports

Learn about this cause: Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 571031173 ✦ Spartanburg, SC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

Overview

What is Upward Unlimited?

Upward Unlimited, formerly known as Upward Sports, is a non-denominational Christian sports ministry based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They partner with churches to deliver sports programs for children from kindergarten through high school. With a mission to promote the discovery of Jesus through sports, Upward Unlimited leverages the universal language of sports as a platform for sharing the gospel and expanding community impact. Their offerings include sports leagues, camps, and clinics, which reached over 201,000 young athletes during the 2022 fiscal year in collaboration with nearly 1,900 churches. Upward Unlimited's values include integrity, collaboration, excellence, innovation, and joy. The organization's 94 employees facilitate youth and adult programming at the Upward Star Center, a 120,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor multi-sports complex.


Official website here: www.upward.org

Is Upward Unlimited legitimate?

Upward Unlimited is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Upward Unlimited submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.

Here are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $354,907
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $2,968,254

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.upward.org

What is the mission statement of Upward Unlimited?

Upward Sports, the world's largest provider of Christian youth athletics, is on a mission to promote the discovery of Jesus through sports. They offer comprehensive resources to help churches organize and execute top-tier sports programs. Upheld by values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, innovation, and joy, Upward Sports aims to go beyond just games, using sports as a platform to inspire spiritual growth. Through its partnership with churches, Upward Sports creates a positive and inclusive environment for children to learn essential life skills and strengthen their faith.


Official website here: www.upward.org

Who is the CEO of Upward Unlimited?

Kevin Drake is the Executive Director of Upward Unlimited.


Official website here: www.upward.org

What is the revenue of Upward Unlimited?

Upward Unlimited's revenue in 2022 was $21,946,822.


Official website here: www.upward.org

Who are the executives of Upward Unlimited and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Upward Unlimited during 2022 was $35,353. There are 94 employees and 6 volunteers at Upward Unlimited.

Here are 12 key members and their salaries:

    Kevin Drake (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $186,283
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $24,216

    • Pamela Westbrooks (Former Dir Of Admin/Assist Treas)
  • Compensation: $117,944
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,254

    • Kenneth Gibson (Sr. Data Architect)
  • Compensation: $101,499
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $23,387

    • Nathan Holm (Former Director Of Operations)
  • Compensation: $115,450
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $1,079

    • Douglas Grote (Star Center Gen Mngr (Ended 12/21))
  • Compensation: $102,911
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $4,068

    • Amie Busbee (Cfo/Assist Treasurer (Began 10/21))
  • Compensation: $33,460
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $1,729

    • Tully Brewer (Chairman Of Board) [Trustee/Director]
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0

    • Hugh Brantley (Secretary/Treasurer) [Trustee/Director]
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0

    • Bob Caldwell (Vice Chairman) [Trustee/Director]
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0

    • David Bishop (Board Member) [Trustee/Director]
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0

    • Courtney Shelton (Board Member) [Trustee/Director]
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0

    • Michael Chibbaro (Board Member) [Trustee/Director]
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


  • Official website here: www.upward.org

    Where can I find the form 990 for Upward Unlimited?

    The Upward Unlimited’s most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here


    Official website here: www.upward.org

    Learn more at the official website: www.upward.org

    Mission Statement of Upward Unlimited

    Upward Unlimited, a prominent non-denominational Christian sports ministry, collaborates with churches to deliver engaging athletic programs for children. This mission-driven organization, renowned as the world's largest provider of Christian youth athletics, is committed to promoting the discovery of Jesus through sports.

    Upward Sports, as Upward Unlimited is also known, offers a wealth of resources to facilitate the planning, training, and execution of top-tier, organized sports initiatives. The values that guide Upward Unlimited's operations include integrity, collaboration, excellence, innovation, and joy. These principles are reflected in the meticulously planned and detailed sports offerings designed to enrich the lives of young participants.

    The mission of Upward Unlimited extends beyond the realm of sports, as it aims to create a nurturing environment where children can grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically. By partnering with churches, Upward Unlimited fosters a strong community connection, ensuring a supportive network for families and children alike. The organization's commitment to its core values and mission resonates with its extensive impact on the lives of countless children, inspiring them to explore their potential and embrace the teachings of Jesus.

    Impact

    This information is meant to be a general summary of Upward Unlimited. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.




    Thursday, August 15, 2024

    Upward Unlimited's impact is significant in promoting the discovery of Jesus through sports. By partnering with churches and providing programming for children, Upward Sports serves communities and helps Christian leaders leverage the power of sports to share the gospel. The organization reaches a large number of young athletes annually, offering leagues, camps, and clinics that not only develop athletic skills but also foster spiritual growth. Through their efforts, Upward Unlimited positively impacts the lives of over 200,000 young athletes and their communities each year.





    Financials

    This financial information is from Propublica.

    Revenue
    Expenses
    Efficiency

    Other financial information:

    This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $90,656
  • Program Service Revenue: $675,026
  • Gross Receipts: $29,008,968

    • Assets and Liabilities:
  • Total Assets: $35,641,784
  • Total Liabilities: $1,730,205
  • Net Assets: $33,911,579
  • Programs

    Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

    Upward Star Center

    Revenue

    $675,026

    Organization Details

    Founding Year

    1995

    Principal Officer

    Kevin Drake

    Main Address

    198 White Star Point, Spartanburg, SC, 29301

    NTEE Category

    Code: O55 - Youth development

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