Gear to Grant Founder Shares Mission with Faribault Rotary Club

FARIBAULT, Minn. — August 19, 2026

Gear to Grant founder Matthew, 15, had the opportunity this week to speak with members of the Faribault Rotary Club about Gear to Grant's mission, the barriers that can keep kids from participating in sports, and how the organization hopes to serve more young athletes in the community.

For Matthew, the opportunity was about more than giving a presentation. It was a chance to learn from people who have spent years building businesses, leading organizations, and serving the Faribault community.

Matthew shared the story behind Gear to Grant, which he started with a simple belief: every kid deserves the chance to play.

He talked about the growing costs of youth sports, the equipment that often sits unused in garages and closets, and Gear to Grant's work to give that equipment another life while helping families and youth organizations reduce some of the financial barriers to participation.

He also shared some of Gear to Grant's work in the Faribault area and the organization's plans to continue growing its impact.

But one of Matthew's most important messages to the room was that Gear to Grant still has a lot to learn.

As the organization grows, one of its biggest challenges is understanding where the need exists and connecting with the children, families, teams, schools, and community programs that Gear to Grant can help.

Matthew asked Rotary members to help make those connections, whether by identifying a local program that could use support, introducing Gear to Grant to a community partner, hosting an equipment collection bin or drive, or simply sharing their advice and experience.

Near the end of his presentation, Matthew acknowledged just how much experience was sitting in the room.

“I'm 15 years old. I have a lot to learn. And there are probably hundreds of years of combined experience sitting in this room. So I'd be crazy not to learn from you.”

That opportunity to listen and learn was one of the most meaningful parts of the day.

Faribault Rotary President Brandon Gliem also highlighted Gear to Grant's visit in the club's weekly newsletter, noting that as a parent of two athletes, he has seen firsthand how real the barriers to participation can be for families in the community.

Faribault Rotary Newsletter

He also recognized the role organizations like Gear to Grant can play in helping make activities more accessible as the costs of participation and equipment continue to rise.

We are incredibly grateful to President Gliem and the entire Faribault Rotary Club for welcoming Matthew, listening to Gear to Grant's story, asking questions, and sharing their ideas and experience.

For a young organization, opportunities like this matter.

They help us better understand the communities we hope to serve, build relationships with people already doing important work, and learn where Gear to Grant can make the greatest difference.

Most importantly, they bring us one step closer to the reason Gear to Grant exists in the first place:

Helping more kids get in the game.

Sports for all.