Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions. Our Vision. A Future We're Building Together.

At Beyond the Boards Foundation, we believe meaningful community projects begin with open conversations, shared ideas, and a willingness to dream big.

We know you may have questions about our foundation, our proposed ice sports and community complex, and the opportunities we hope to create throughout North Idaho.

We've answered some of the most common questions below. As our organization grows and plans develop, we'll continue updating this page to keep our community informed.

About Beyond the Boards Foundation

What is Beyond the Boards Foundation?

Beyond the Boards Foundation, Inc. is an Idaho nonprofit corporation established with a vision to create a welcoming, year-round ice sports and community complex in North Idaho.

Our mission goes beyond providing a place to skate. We hope to expand access to recreation, education, mentorship, scholarships, adaptive sports, and community programs that help people of all ages, abilities, and financial circumstances participate, grow, and belong.

More Than Ice. A Place to Belong.

Why was the foundation created?

The foundation grew out of our family's experiences with youth hockey.

We witnessed firsthand the opportunities that sports can create, along with the financial challenges, travel demands, and limited pathways that can prevent young athletes from continuing to pursue their dreams.

Those experiences inspired us to imagine something greater: a place where more individuals and families could access meaningful opportunities closer to home.

What began with hockey grew into a much broader vision centered on belonging, accessibility, education, and community.

Is Beyond the Boards Foundation a faith-based organization?

Our foundation was inspired by our Christian faith and a desire to serve others with compassion, integrity, and love.

Our guiding verse, 2 Corinthians 5:7, reminds us to walk by faith even when we cannot see every step ahead.

While faith helps guide our founders' values and commitment to service, our vision is to welcome and serve people of all backgrounds, beliefs, ages, and abilities.

Everyone deserves a place to belong.

Our Future Facility

Where will the facility be located?

Our goal is to develop the facility in North Idaho.

We have not yet selected or secured a property. As our planning progresses, we hope to evaluate potential locations based on accessibility, community needs, infrastructure, feasibility, and long-term sustainability.

We will share updates as more information becomes available.

How many ice rinks are planned?

Our preliminary vision includes three NHL-sized ice rinks.

We envision a main event rink with approximately 1,500 spectator seats and two additional rinks with approximately 500 seats each.

These are conceptual goals rather than finalized architectural plans. The eventual facility configuration will depend on feasibility studies, funding, partnerships, and development requirements.

When will the facility open?

We do not have an opening date or construction timeline at this time.

Beyond the Boards Foundation is currently focused on organizational development, governance, federal tax-exempt recognition, community relationships, and preliminary planning.

A project of this size requires careful evaluation, significant resources, and collaboration.

We are committed to sharing accurate updates as milestones are reached rather than announcing dates before they can be responsibly supported.

Will the facility be open year-round?

Yes, year-round access is a central part of our long-term vision.

We hope to create opportunities for ice sports, recreation, training, community events, and educational activities throughout all seasons.

Will the facility only be for hockey players?

Absolutely not!

Although hockey helped inspire the foundation, our vision includes opportunities for many different activities and interests.

We hope to accommodate figure skating, curling, recreational skating, learn-to-skate programs, adaptive ice sports, educational activities, and community gatherings.

You won't need to play hockey—or even know how to skate—to be part of our community.

Programs & Accessibility

Will programs be available for beginners?

That's an important part of our vision!

We hope to offer introductory opportunities for children and adults who have never participated in ice sports.

Potential programs include learn-to-skate classes, beginner hockey, recreational skating, introductory curling, and other activities designed to make trying something new approachable and enjoyable.

Will there be opportunities for individuals with disabilities?

Creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities is one of our priorities.

Our vision includes adaptive ice sports, such as sled hockey and adaptive skating, along with accessible facility design and supportive program environments.

We also hope to explore quiet spaces and other features that may benefit individuals with different sensory needs.

We intend to work with people with disabilities, families, and experienced community organizations to help inform these plans.

Will scholarships or financial assistance be available?

We hope so!

One of our long-term goals is to establish scholarship and equipment assistance programs that help reduce financial barriers to participation.

We understand that registration fees, equipment, and travel expenses can make organized sports difficult for many families.

While scholarships are not currently available through the foundation, we hope to develop assistance opportunities as funding, partnerships, and programs become established.

Will there be opportunities for adults and seniors?

Yes! Our vision includes people of every generation.

We hope to explore adult recreational leagues, public skating, curling, beginner programs, community activities, and other opportunities that encourage participation, connection, and healthy recreation throughout life.

Will the foundation support athletes after high school?

Expanding opportunities for athletes to continue developing and participating after high school is especially meaningful to our founders.

We understand how difficult it can be for young athletes to find affordable opportunities close to home.

Our long-term vision includes exploring advanced training, development opportunities, and potential partnerships that could support continued participation and pathways beyond high school.

Specific programs would depend on future resources, partnerships, and feasibility.

The Nonprofit & Its Development

Is Beyond the Boards Foundation a registered nonprofit?

Yes. Beyond the Boards Foundation, Inc. has been established as an Idaho nonprofit corporation and has received a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).

We are continuing to develop our organizational structure and prepare for the federal tax-exempt recognition process.

Is the foundation a 501(c)(3) organization?

Not yet.

Although Beyond the Boards Foundation is incorporated as an Idaho nonprofit, we are still working toward applying for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt recognition with the Internal Revenue Service.

State nonprofit incorporation and an EIN do not, by themselves, establish federal tax-exempt status.

We will update our website when there is a verified change in our federal status.

Can I make a tax-deductible donation?

We are not currently representing contributions to Beyond the Boards Foundation as tax-deductible.

Our federal tax-exempt recognition is still pending the application process, and we encourage potential contributors to consult a qualified tax professional regarding their individual circumstances.

We plan to provide clear information about future fundraising opportunities and our organizational status as the foundation develops.

How will the facility and programs be funded?

A project of this size will require a thoughtful, long-term financial strategy.

We anticipate exploring a combination of future fundraising initiatives, grants, business sponsorships, community partnerships, and other appropriate funding opportunities.

Our goal is to develop a financially responsible and sustainable organization capable of supporting both the facility and its community-centered programs.

Specific funding plans will be developed as the project progresses.

Getting Involved

How can I help right now?

There are many meaningful ways to help, even during these early stages!

You can volunteer your time or professional expertise, introduce us to potential community partners, share our website, help spread awareness, or offer ideas and encouragement.

We are especially interested in connecting with individuals who have experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, grant writing, architecture, construction, ice sports, adaptive recreation, education, and community outreach.

Every connection matters.

Do I need to know anything about hockey to volunteer?

Not at all!

Our mission reaches far beyond ice sports, and many of the skills needed to build a successful nonprofit have nothing to do with skating.

If you have a heart for serving others, we'd love to hear from you.

Can businesses or organizations become partners?

Absolutely!

We hope to develop meaningful relationships with local businesses, schools, sports organizations, veterans' groups, disability advocates, community organizations, and others who share our commitment to creating opportunities.

We welcome conversations about potential partnerships, donated expertise, collaborative initiatives, and future sponsorship opportunities.

Can I suggest a program or share an idea?

Please do!

We believe the people who will benefit from a community facility should have opportunities to help shape its future.

Whether you have ideas about ice sports, accessibility, scholarships, educational programs, community events, or other opportunities, we welcome your perspective.

Your experiences and suggestions may help us identify needs and possibilities we haven't yet considered.

How can I stay updated on the foundation's progress?

We encourage you to visit our Our Journey page for milestones, announcements, and development updates.

You can also follow our social media channels and share our story with others.

As our organization grows, we hope to expand the ways we keep our community connected and informed.

Still Have Questions? We'd Love to Hear from You!

We know we won't have every answer right away.

Building something meaningful takes time, thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a willingness to listen.

But we believe that open communication and strong community relationships are essential to making this vision possible.

If you have a question that wasn't answered here, would like to share an idea, or want to explore ways to get involved, please visit our Contact Us page.

Your questions matter. Your ideas matter. And you matter.

Thank you for believing in the possibility of a future where everyone has a place to belong.

Beyond the Boards Foundation, Inc.

Rooted in Faith. United by Community. Building a Place to Belong.

More Than Ice. A Place to Belong.