Latest news with #IanFuller


Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Report: Former MLS coach Ian Fuller brings pro vision to One Knoxville SC amid local soccer boom
Former Major League Soccer manager Ian Fuller is now leading One Knoxville SC into a larger spotlight, applying his first-class experience to East Tennessee's burgeoning soccer landscape. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With One Knox becoming established at Covenant Health Park and further building its swift climb through the United Soccer League ranks, Fuller views Knoxville as fertile ground for professional soccer—even with potential in Major League Soccer. Ian Fuller brings MLS pedigree to One Knoxville SC with vision for East Tennessee soccer growth As One Knoxville SC prepares to play Indy Eleven on May 24 at Covenant Health Park, head coach Ian Fuller already has long-term visions. The former Minnesota United FC assistant coach thinks the city can sustain a Major League Soccer franchise — but only if the city itself comes to support soccer outside college campuses and Friday night lights. Fuller, who played professionally for Clemson University and was drafted by the New England Revolution in 2002, signed with One Knoxville SC this year with a purpose: to assist East Tennessee in developing into a soccer town. With more than a decade of coaching experience within Major League Soccer and extensive participation in developing clubs such as Orlando City SC and Minnesota United FC, Fuller understands what it takes to construct a franchise from the beginning. For Ian Fuller, there's more to it than victories. He talks of overall growth, explaining, 'First and foremost, I care about the guys. I care about them as men ... I love coaching now, wanting to get the best out of our guys. I don't want them to give up opportunities. I don't want them to wake up at 40 and their careers are over and realize they didn't take advantage of everything.' The Fullers themselves have embraced Knoxville life, with Ian's wife, Susannah Collins — a former CBS Sports soccer commentator — joining him in the move from New York City to Maryville. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The change in pace has proven rewarding, with Ian saying, 'We're enjoying every second of it. We sit on our wraparound porch. We sit out there every day and look at the Smokies.' Also read: For One Knoxville SC and Ian Fuller, the journey is just beginning. While the road to Major League Soccer involves financial strength, supporter support, and community commitment, the puzzle is falling into place in East Tennessee. With Fuller's vision, a committed fanbase, and an increasing passion for the sport, Knoxville may have everything it needs to be America's next soccer citadel.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marguerite Casey Foundation dips into endowment to grant out $130M this year
The Marguerite Casey Foundation plans to significantly increase donations this year to $130 million to help nonprofits respond to policy changes from the Trump administration, especially federal funding cuts and what it calls threats to the independence of civil society organizations. 'We're doing this very specifically to ensure that organizations across our country have the full weight of our resources to serve communities that are actively under attack from the administration,' said Ian Fuller, chair of the foundation's board and an investment advisor. It's important to act now to protect their freedom to give and their grantees' rights to freedom of speech and assembly, he said. The Seattle-based foundation donated between $23 and $57 million annually since 2019, making this commitment a major expansion. Additionally, it's giving to organizations it hasn't previously supported, including $3 million to the National Council of Nonprofits, which has sued the Trump administration over its proposed federal funding freeze. 'We are stepping in to provide resources where organizations see an opportunity to fill in an information and an organizing void,' said Carmen Rojas, president and CEO of the foundation. The foundation was created in 2001 with funds from Jim Casey, the founder of United Parcel Service. In general, it provides grantees 25% of their budgets for five years and does not accept unsolicited applications for funding. Rojas said the foundation supports community-led organizations and movements that ensure the government works for everyone — not just the rich and powerful. It's already granted out $40 million this year, mostly to organizations it previously supported, she said, though about half of the year's donations overall will go to new grantees. A particular focus will be on journalism organizations like More Perfect Union, Deep South Today and National Trust for Local News. Balancing future funding with current needs Several foundations have also pledged to increase donations this year, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Freedom Together Foundation. Recently, the Northwest Area Foundation, which serves states and Native American tribes from Minnesota to Washington, announced it would double their grantmaking this year. However, most foundations have not and it is unusual for them to donate money directly from their endowments, which are usually created to sustain the foundation's future operations through investments. The Internal Revenue Service requires foundations to spend the equivalent of 5% of their endowments annually. George Suttles, executive director of Commonfund Institute, encouraged all foundations to at least ask their investment advisors what the impact would be of spending more now. 'What are we really called to do as a philanthropic community?" he asked. 'Effectively manage assets as long-term institutional investors or show up for grantees and communities that we care about? I think the answer is both.' White House pushes to control nonprofits The Trump administration has challenged the independence of nonprofit organizations and sought to discourage organizations from carrying out programs that include LGBTQ+ people or that benefit specific groups based on race or other protected characteristics. Last week, Department of Government Efficiency staff asked the Vera Institute of Justice about installing a team at the nonprofit. President Donald Trump also specifically questioned the basis for Harvard University's tax-exempt status, complaining about what it teaches. Before he was elected, Vice President JD Vance attacked foundations who fund movements for social justice in a 2021 speech. 'We should eliminate all of the special privileges that exist for our nonprofit foundation class,' Vance said. 'If you're spending all your money to teach racism to our children in their schools, why do we give you special tax breaks instead of taxing you more?' In February, the White House directed federal agencies to review all funding for nonprofits because it said many 'actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people.' Other initiatives helping grantees Giving more money is not the only way that funders and foundations can respond to funding cuts and uncertainty. The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, along with other sponsors, asked funders to commit to moving in solidarity with nonprofits, meaning to listen, be transparent about their funding decisions and offer other support like legal, financial or communication resources. The Council on Foundations, a membership organization, has asked foundations to sign onto a statement advocating to protect the freedom of donors to give. More than 430 have, with the statement reading in part, 'We don't all share the same beliefs or priorities. Neither do our donors or the communities we serve. But as charitable giving institutions, we are united behind our First Amendment right to give as an expression of our own distinct values.' ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit Sign in to access your portfolio


The Independent
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Marguerite Casey Foundation dips into endowment to grant out $130M this year
The Marguerite Casey Foundation plans to significantly increase donations this year to $130 million to help nonprofits respond to policy changes from the Trump administration, especially federal funding cuts and what it calls threats to the independence of civil society organizations. 'We're doing this very specifically to ensure that organizations across our country have the full weight of our resources to serve communities that are actively under attack from the administration,' said Ian Fuller, chair of the foundation's board and an investment advisor. It's important to act now to protect their freedom to give and their grantees' rights to freedom of speech and assembly, he said. The Seattle-based foundation donated between $23 and $57 million annually since 2019, making this commitment a major expansion. Additionally, it's giving to organizations it hasn't previously supported, including $3 million to the National Council of Nonprofits, which has sued the Trump administration over its proposed federal funding freeze. 'We are stepping in to provide resources where organizations see an opportunity to fill in an information and an organizing void,' said Carmen Rojas, president and CEO of the foundation. The foundation was created in 2001 with funds from Jim Casey, the founder of United Parcel Service. In general, it provides grantees 25% of their budgets for five years and does not accept unsolicited applications for funding. Rojas said the foundation supports community-led organizations and movements that ensure the government works for everyone — not just the rich and powerful. It's already granted out $40 million this year, mostly to organizations it previously supported, she said, though about half of the year's donations overall will go to new grantees. A particular focus will be on journalism organizations like More Perfect Union, Deep South Today and National Trust for Local News. Balancing future funding with current needs Several foundations have also pledged to increase donations this year, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Freedom Together Foundation. Recently, the Northwest Area Foundation, which serves states and Native American tribes from Minnesota to Washington, announced it would double their grantmaking this year. However, most foundations have not and it is unusual for them to donate money directly from their endowments, which are usually created to sustain the foundation's future operations through investments. The Internal Revenue Service requires foundations to spend the equivalent of 5% of their endowments annually. George Suttles, executive director of Commonfund Institute, encouraged all foundations to at least ask their investment advisors what the impact would be of spending more now. 'What are we really called to do as a philanthropic community?" he asked. 'Effectively manage assets as long-term institutional investors or show up for grantees and communities that we care about? I think the answer is both.' White House pushes to control nonprofits The Trump administration has challenged the independence of nonprofit organizations and sought to discourage organizations from carrying out programs that include LGBTQ+ people or that benefit specific groups based on race or other protected characteristics. Last week, Department of Government Efficiency staff asked the Vera Institute of Justice about installing a team at the nonprofit. President Donald Trump also specifically questioned the basis for Harvard University's tax-exempt status, complaining about what it teaches. Before he was elected, Vice President JD Vance attacked foundations who fund movements for social justice in a 2021 speech. 'We should eliminate all of the special privileges that exist for our nonprofit foundation class,' Vance said. 'If you're spending all your money to teach racism to our children in their schools, why do we give you special tax breaks instead of taxing you more?' In February, the White House directed federal agencies to review all funding for nonprofits because it said many 'actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people.' Other initiatives helping grantees Giving more money is not the only way that funders and foundations can respond to funding cuts and uncertainty. The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, along with other sponsors, asked funders to commit to moving in solidarity with nonprofits, meaning to listen, be transparent about their funding decisions and offer other support like legal, financial or communication resources. The Council on Foundations, a membership organization, has asked foundations to sign onto a statement advocating to protect the freedom of donors to give. More than 430 have, with the statement reading in part, 'We don't all share the same beliefs or priorities. Neither do our donors or the communities we serve. But as charitable giving institutions, we are united behind our First Amendment right to give as an expression of our own distinct values.' ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit

Associated Press
23-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Marguerite Casey Foundation dips into endowment to grant out $130M this year
The Marguerite Casey Foundation plans to significantly increase donations this year to $130 million to help nonprofits respond to policy changes from the Trump administration, especially federal funding cuts and what it calls threats to the independence of civil society organizations. 'We're doing this very specifically to ensure that organizations across our country have the full weight of our resources to serve communities that are actively under attack from the administration,' said Ian Fuller, chair of the foundation's board and an investment advisor. It's important to act now to protect their freedom to give and their grantees' rights to freedom of speech and assembly, he said. The Seattle-based foundation donated between $23 and $57 million annually since 2019, making this commitment a major expansion. Additionally, it's giving to organizations it hasn't previously supported, including $3 million to the National Council of Nonprofits, which has sued the Trump administration over its proposed federal funding freeze. 'We are stepping in to provide resources where organizations see an opportunity to fill in an information and an organizing void,' said Carmen Rojas, president and CEO of the foundation. The foundation was created in 2001 with funds from Jim Casey, the founder of United Parcel Service. In general, it provides grantees 25% of their budgets for five years and does not accept unsolicited applications for funding. Rojas said the foundation supports community-led organizations and movements that ensure the government works for everyone — not just the rich and powerful. It's already granted out $40 million this year, mostly to organizations it previously supported, she said, though about half of the year's donations overall will go to new grantees. A particular focus will be on journalism organizations like More Perfect Union, Deep South Today and National Trust for Local News. Balancing future funding with current needs Several foundations have also pledged to increase donations this year, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Freedom Together Foundation. Recently, the Northwest Area Foundation, which serves states and Native American tribes from Minnesota to Washington, announced it would double their grantmaking this year. However, most foundations have not and it is unusual for them to donate money directly from their endowments, which are usually created to sustain the foundation's future operations through investments. The Internal Revenue Service requires foundations to spend the equivalent of 5% of their endowments annually. George Suttles, executive director of Commonfund Institute, encouraged all foundations to at least ask their investment advisors what the impact would be of spending more now. 'What are we really called to do as a philanthropic community?' he asked. 'Effectively manage assets as long-term institutional investors or show up for grantees and communities that we care about? I think the answer is both.' White House pushes to control nonprofits The Trump administration has challenged the independence of nonprofit organizations and sought to discourage organizations from carrying out programs that include LGBTQ+ people or that benefit specific groups based on race or other protected characteristics. Last week, Department of Government Efficiency staff asked the Vera Institute of Justice about installing a team at the nonprofit. President Donald Trump also specifically questioned the basis for Harvard University's tax-exempt status, complaining about what it teaches. Before he was elected, Vice President JD Vance attacked foundations who fund movements for social justice in a 2021 speech. 'We should eliminate all of the special privileges that exist for our nonprofit foundation class,' Vance said. 'If you're spending all your money to teach racism to our children in their schools, why do we give you special tax breaks instead of taxing you more?' In February, the White House directed federal agencies to review all funding for nonprofits because it said many 'actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people.' Other initiatives helping granteesGiving more money is not the only way that funders and foundations can respond to funding cuts and uncertainty. The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, along with other sponsors, asked funders to commit to moving in solidarity with nonprofits, meaning to listen, be transparent about their funding decisions and offer other support like legal, financial or communication resources. The Council on Foundations, a membership organization, has asked foundations to sign onto a statement advocating to protect the freedom of donors to give. More than 430 have, with the statement reading in part, 'We don't all share the same beliefs or priorities. Neither do our donors or the communities we serve. But as charitable giving institutions, we are united behind our First Amendment right to give as an expression of our own distinct values.' ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
One Knoxville SC enters home opener as league's last unbeaten team
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One Knoxville SC is headed home for their first-ever match at Covenant Health Park following a six-week road trip to kick off the 2025 season. The team is off to its best start to a season since moving up to the professional ranks in 2023. It's been an impressive start to life under first-year head coach Ian Fuller, who will enter Saturday's home opener as the reigning USL League One Coach of the Week. After drawing their opening match against Spokane Velocity FC, Knoxville has strung together three straight league wins without conceding a single goal. 'To have that professional path where a young girl is able to strive' One Knoxville SC introduces pre-professional women's team The four-match unbeaten run makes them the only team that has yet to lose a USL League One match. However, Knoxville won't be putting their league unbeaten streak on the line when they host FC Tulsa at Covenant Health Park on April 26. The match will kick of Knoxville's 2025 campaign in the USL Cup, a in-season World Cup-style tournament. After the inaugural 2024 edition only featured teams from the third-division USL League One, this year's tournament will also feature all 24 USL Championship teams. The 38-team field is divided into six groups based on geographic proximity. How Covenant Health Park's field will accommodate baseball and soccer Knoxville will take on two USL Championship sides during USL Cup group play: FC Tulsa and Indy Eleven. A win against either would be the first in One Knoxville history against a team from a higher division. Saturday's match will kick off at 7 p.m. Knoxville is aiming to break a USL League One record for the most-attended home opener, a mark of 6,000 currently held by Richmond Kickers. The team has reported that 5,000 tickets have been sold as of Tuesday. ▶ See more top stories on The team played at Regal Soccer Stadium on the University of Tennessee campus for the past two seasons before the completion of the multiuse downtown stadium that is also the home of Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball. They will play their first USL League One match at Covenant Health Park on Friday, May 9 when they host Forward Madison FC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.