FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does FNL support?
Families of New Level (FNL) supports New Level Baseball and Fastpitch athletes and their families. FNL is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to provide fundraising opportunities, financial assistance, scholarships, and other resources that help make select-level baseball and softball more accessible.
Is FNL part of New Level Baseball?
No. Families of New Level is an independent nonprofit organization and operates separately from New Level Baseball and Fastpitch.
We work closely with New Level to support its athletes, teams, and families, but FNL maintains its own Board, finances, policies, fundraising programs, and scholarship process.
Does FNL charge for membership?
No. There are no membership dues to participate in FNL programs.
FNL retains a small administrative percentage from certain funds raised or received through FNL. These funds help cover nonprofit operating expenses and support FNL programs, including athlete scholarships and financial assistance.
Specific fundraising programs or sponsorships may have their own published allocation or fee structure.
What does FNL do?
FNL provides several ways for New Level athletes and teams to offset the costs associated with select baseball and fastpitch, including:
Individual and team fundraising opportunities
Sponsorship support
Athlete and team fund accounts
Scholarship opportunities
Corporate matching gifts
Community events and fundraising campaigns
Resources and assistance for teams or families developing their own fundraising ideas
Our goal is to create opportunities for athletes while making fundraising as organized and accessible as possible for families.
Can I make a tax-deductible donation directly to my own child?
No. Donations to a 501(c)(3) cannot be designated for the personal benefit of the donor or the donor's child in exchange for a charitable tax deduction.
Businesses may be able to sponsor or contribute through approved FNL programs, and some employers offer corporate charitable matching programs. Contact FNL if you have a business sponsorship or corporate matching opportunity and we can help determine the appropriate process.
Does FNL accept corporate matching donations?
Yes! FNL is eligible to receive charitable contributions through a number of corporate giving and matching programs.
If your employer offers charitable matching, please contact us before submitting your request so we can help make sure the donation is properly identified and credited when received.
How do I deposit funds with FNL?
Please do not send checks, electronic transfers, sponsorship payments, or other funds to FNL without providing enough information for us to identify where the funds belong.
For deposits, sponsorships, corporate matching gifts, or other incoming funds, contact:
support@familiesofnewlevel.com
Please include the athlete or team name, your contact information, and the purpose of the funds.
Funds received without identifying information may be placed in a holding account while FNL attempts to determine their intended purpose. Funds that cannot be identified within 90 calendar days may be transferred to the FNL general fund.
How do I request money from my FNL account?
All requests for athlete or team funds must be submitted through the FNL Funds Request Form.
Requests should include the appropriate supporting documentation, such as an invoice, receipt, registration statement, or other documentation showing the purpose and amount of the request.
The Funds Request Form is available through the FNL website.
When are fund requests processed?
Fund requests should be submitted by the 10th of the month for processing during the week of the 25th.
Requests received after the monthly deadline will generally roll into the following month's processing cycle.
Please plan ahead for registrations, tournaments, travel, and other expenses with firm payment deadlines.
How are approved funds paid?
Whenever possible, FNL pays New Level or another approved vendor directly.
Requests greater than $250 are generally paid directly to New Level or the applicable vendor rather than reimbursed to an individual.
Smaller approved expenses may be eligible for reimbursement when appropriate documentation is provided.
Can FNL funds be used for New Level registration fees?
Yes. Athlete funds may be used toward eligible New Level registration expenses.
A parent or guardian must submit a Funds Request Form. FNL will coordinate payment according to the current funds policy and available account balance.
What can athlete funds be used for?
Approved athlete funds may generally be used for expenses related to participation in New Level Baseball or Fastpitch, including eligible registration fees, tournaments, travel, equipment, uniforms, instruction, and other approved baseball or softball expenses.
All requests remain subject to FNL policy, available account balances, and Board approval when applicable.
What can team funds be used for?
Team funds may be used for approved team-related expenses such as tournaments, travel, equipment, team activities, development opportunities, and other expenses benefiting the team.
Team funds are intended to benefit the team as a whole and are not personal funds belonging to individual families.
Do team funds carry over from season to season?
Team funds operate under a use-it-or-lose-it policy and should be used during the applicable season.
Families and team representatives are encouraged to plan ahead and submit eligible expenses before the end of the season rather than allowing team funds to go unused.
Do athlete funds carry over?
Yes. Athlete funds may carry forward while the athlete remains an eligible New Level player.
What happens to an athlete's funds if they leave New Level?
If an athlete leaves New Level or otherwise becomes ineligible to maintain an FNL athlete account, remaining eligible funds are distributed according to FNL's current athlete departure policy:
50% — Athlete
25% — Athlete's New Level team
25% — FNL
The athlete portion is subject to the requirements and limitations of FNL's current funds policy.
Does FNL offer scholarships?
Yes. FNL offers financial assistance to eligible New Level athletes as funding allows.
Scholarship applications may be submitted throughout the year. Applications for the upcoming season are reviewed during FNL's annual scholarship review period, generally in August, with award notifications typically made in September.
Scholarship awards are based on available funding, demonstrated need, and other factors considered by the FNL Board. Submission of an application does not guarantee an award.
Can businesses sponsor an athlete or team?
Yes. FNL can assist athletes and teams with business sponsorship opportunities, including sponsorship documentation and appropriate acknowledgment of qualifying charitable contributions.
Because sponsorships and charitable donations have specific requirements, please contact FNL before accepting or promising tax-deductible treatment for a contribution.
Can our team create its own fundraiser?
Absolutely.
FNL encourages athletes and teams to bring us fundraising ideas. Depending on the fundraiser, FNL can help with collection methods, tracking, payment processing, promotional materials, and distribution of proceeds.
Please receive FNL approval before launching a fundraiser using the FNL name or collecting funds through FNL.
Where can I find FNL forms?
Current forms and instructions are available on the Forms section of our website.
Because policies and procedures may change, please use the current online forms rather than previously saved or printed versions whenever possible.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help.
Families of New Level
support@familiesofnewlevel.com
When in doubt, contact us before sending funds, committing to a sponsorship, or making a purchase you expect FNL to reimburse.