Changes to USFS Friends of Figure skating

[moonvine]

It can't possibly get worse, right?
More info here.

 

[NanaPat]

For "meaningful investment" read lots of bucks.

At the moment I am not a "Friend of Figure Skating", as I gave them zero dollars, but more of a nodding acquaintance. I get emails and a pre-sale ticket code for the day after the FOFS pre-sale. Hopefully this level of involvement will continue.

Skate Canada has had this kind of relationship with supporters for years. Ask to be put on the mailing list and you get emails (but not too many, about 1 a month) and pre-sale codes. They don't, as far as I know, have anything like the USFS's FOFS. Though they may have unpublished perks available for "meaningful investment" donors.

 

[TallyT]

It can't possibly get worse, right?
More info here.

The Friends of Figure Skating seem to me to be decidedly UNfriendly to ordinary fans. And I did notice that their email address is the word 'giving' - nothing like making their priorities crystal clear.

 

[el henry]

Unfortunately, this is an example of USFS actually keeping up with the times.

The less expensive FOF memberships with the meet and greets with multiple skaters are not returning, I fear. Nowadays, the Development Officer comes up with ways to rake in the high value donations. One person with a $1000 donation is easier to (and more profitable) to impress than 10 people with $100. As someone who once raised money for a non-profit, I know what I liked

It's not preferable from the other side, of course.

 

[TontoK]

I have no problem with USFSA shifting fundraising efforts to big donors. That's where the money is.

I assume most people on the board are sort of like me. Middle class. Not worried about my next meal, but not planning an around-the-world cruise, either. But we are what I consider to be "major fans."

So, among us "major fans" who has actually contributed to USFSA in a meaningful way in terms of hard dollar contributions? I haven't. I'm betting not a lot of us have. Not that we don't care, but we generally don't have a ton of disposable income laying around looking for a good home.

Could USFSA enhance the fan experience for everyone? Sure, and I hope they do. But if they need to chase big donors and smooch their backsides to keep USFSA solvent and relevant to our athletes, I'm good with that.

 

[moonvine]

I have no problem with USFSA shifting fundraising efforts to big donors. That's where the money is.

I assume most people on the board are sort of like me. Middle class. Not worried about my next meal, but not planning an around-the-world cruise, either. But we are what I consider to be "major fans."

So, among us "major fans" who has actually contributed to USFSA in a meaningful way in terms of hard dollar contributions? I haven't. I'm betting not a lot of us have. Not that we don't care, but we generally don't have a ton of disposable income laying around looking for a good home.

Could USFSA enhance the fan experience for everyone? Sure, and I hope they do. But if they need to chase big donors and smooch their backsides to keep USFSA solvent and relevant to our athletes, I'm good with that.

I'm lower class. Well, not in terms of ME, but in terms of money. I'm disabled and have been since I was in my 40s. Yet I still managed to find money for FOFS, when it was $60, and throughout the year would give small amounts in Gracie's name. Not anymore. I think it's $1,000 for the tier where one can purchase a FOFS breakfast ticket, and that ticket is $125.
There are limits to what people will spend. In Detroit I was fortunate to be able to pay I think $150 to watch the women's short with Mirai Nigasu. But USFS was trying to sell spots to watch the long program with Scott Hamilton and people weren't buying at $600.
I wish I could do everything, but I'm fortunate to get to go to Nationals, and can't every year.

 

[moonvine]

Unfortunately, this is an example of USFS actually keeping up with the times.

The less expensive FOF memberships with the meet and greets with multiple skaters are not returning, I fear. Nowadays, the Development Officer comes up with ways to rake in the high value donations. One person with a $1000 donation is easier to (and more profitable) to impress than 10 people with $100. As someone who once raised money for a non-profit, I know what I liked

It's not preferable from the other side, of course.

Part of the reason figure skating is my favorite sport is that I get to get "up close and personal" with skaters. Of course FOFS membership is not the only way to do this. I can go to small comps like Philadelphia International, if it still exists, or Cranberry Cup. I just wish there was one a little closer.

 

[iluvtodd]

The Phila. International is THIS week (it used to be in late July). We plan to go there this coming Saturday.

 

[CoyoteChris]

I have no problem with USFSA shifting fundraising efforts to big donors. That's where the money is.

I assume most people on the board are sort of like me. Middle class. Not worried about my next meal, but not planning an around-the-world cruise, either. But we are what I consider to be "major fans."

So, among us "major fans" who has actually contributed to USFSA in a meaningful way in terms of hard dollar contributions? I haven't. I'm betting not a lot of us have. Not that we don't care, but we generally don't have a ton of disposable income laying around looking for a good home.

Could USFSA enhance the fan experience for everyone? Sure, and I hope they do. But if they need to chase big donors and smooch their backsides to keep USFSA solvent and relevant to our athletes, I'm good with that.

Would you still be good with that if, just for the sake of hypothetical argument, certain large sums of funds disappeared?

 

[CoyoteChris]

I'm lower class. Well, not in terms of ME, but in terms of money. I'm disabled and have been since I was in my 40s. Yet I still managed to find money for FOFS, when it was $60, and throughout the year would give small amounts in Gracie's name. Not anymore. I think it's $1,000 for the tier where one can purchase a FOFS breakfast ticket, and that ticket is $125.
There are limits to what people will spend. In Detroit I was fortunate to be able to pay I think $150 to watch the women's short with Mirai Nigasu. But USFS was trying to sell spots to watch the long program with Scott Hamilton and people weren't buying at $600.
I wish I could do everything, but I'm fortunate to get to go to Nationals, and can't every year.

I have been a doner for many many years. At the time the USFS did a small story about me (the one where I have my arm around Gracie) I think there were 396 of us. I think only a small percentage were high doners. I personally know at least 2 of them that will admit to it but I suspect 7 more of being high rollers. I liked the magazine, the calander, the early access to event tickets and above all, the breakfasts and all those wonderful pics I have from them. I am no expert on calculating cost/benefit of donation levels vs benefits. . But to me, I was happy with where they were and would have paid more for the breakfasts. But there was a hidden benefit for the USFS. I attended dozens of events, many where the seats were sparsely filled. At great personal cost. But yes, I understand the new thinking. I can't go into politics here but the same thing happened with political funding.