Mamabird Alumni
Mentorship Association
aka the MAMA Foundation
MAMA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to fostering a lifelong community of support for CU Boulder Men's Ultimate team, Mamabird.
Donate
MAMA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization - all donations are tax-deductible. Please contact us to confirm your donation and to receive a written acknowledgment of your contribution.Zelle
The best and cheapest way to donate is directly through Zelle. Our email is [email protected].Venmo
The second-best way is through Venmo. Our handle is @mamabirdfoundation.Credit Card
If you would like to make a donation via credit card or set up monthly contributions, here is our campaign on BetterWorld.Corporate Matching
If your employer offers donation matching, we are registered on Benevity.Physical Check
If you prefer a different option (physical check, PayPal, etc.), please contact us!
Our Mission
Mamabird is one of the premier college Ultimate programs in the country. The team has qualified for the National Championships in 31 of its 32 years, won two national titles (2004, 2014), claimed six consecutive regional titles (2019–2025), and reached the National semifinals in three of the last four seasons (2022–2025). Our B-team has consistently ranked as the top developmental team in the country. Mamabird alumni have represented the United States in international competition (U24, WUGC, World Games) and have gone on to play for some of the best club and professional teams in the nation.2025 CampaignThe MAMA Foundation is an alumni-led initiative that supports Mamabird’s pursuit of excellence on and off the field by providing financial assistance, mentorship, and resources to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. We aim to celebrate the team’s rich history and achievements by fostering strong connections between current players and alumni. Our mission is to create a thriving environment that upholds the Spirit of the Game and contributes to the growth and success of the Ultimate community in Colorado.
Governance
MAMA was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in the state of Colorado in February, 2025. Our EIN is 33-3673563.You can find our articles of incorporation here and our bylaws here .
Board of Directors
Mike Lun
President
Coach, '15 - 24
Pawel Janas
Secretary
Player, '11-16
Gabe Stump
Board Member
Player, '09 - 13
Zach Nager
Board Member
Player, '09 - 13
Chuck Shigley
Board Member
Parent, '22 - present
Our Long-Term Goals
1. Establish an Endowment Fund
We aim to raise $100,000 in the next 5 years (2025 - 2030) to launch an endowment fund and support the program from investment income.2. Support the Current Team
While building the endowment is our first priority, we will still allocate between 10-20 percent of all donations to the current team to help with travel costs and tournament dues.3. Create Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
Our goal is to not only raise money and reduce the financial burden of playing on Mamabird, but also to help mentor younger generations of players - in their careers, life, and frisbee pursuits.
Contact Us
If you would like to stay in touch with MAMA initiatives and/or be added to the alumni Discord, please reach out!
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2025 Campaign
The total out-of-pocket cost to play on Mamabird is approximately $2,500 per player per season. Although the team receives some support from the university through grants and fundraising opportunities, it must still raise roughly $75,000 to cover the remaining expenses.Mamabird is not only a nationally competitive program but also a diverse, hardworking, and academically driven community. Our players compete in 12 tournaments each year while balancing demanding academic commitments. More than half of our roster (51%) are underclassmen, and 43% are engineering majors. An impressive 82% of the team maintains a GPA above 3.0, and 60% of our players rely on need-based or merit scholarships to attend CU. Over 75% work jobs outside of school, with 23% working more than 10 hours per week, to support themselves.
Financial Need
Total Team Expenses: $106,000, includes:
Airfare: $45,000
Lodging: $25,000
Rental cars: $14,000
Jerseys: $10,000
Bid fees: $8,000
Coaches: $4,000
University contribution: $9,000
Team fundraising: $22,000
Gap: $75,000
Our Goals and Your Contribution
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Tapper family, who are providing an $8,000 match, we aim to raise a total of $16,000 for the 2025–2026 cycle. Of these funds, $3,000 will be disbursed directly to the current team, $1,000 will support alumni events, and the remaining $12,000 will be reinvested into the endowment to strengthen Mamabird’s long-term financial foundation.
Every contribution directly reduces the financial burden on our players. Here’s what different levels of support can provide:
$50: jersey cost for one player
$100: sideline food for one day
$200: player fee to attend Nationals
$300: round-trip airfare
$1,000: jersey cost for one player, in perpetuity