About
The Greg Pennington Fund is dedicated to raising and directing resources to support underserved communities, expanding people’s access to experience all the joys life has to offer. This work is guided by three core pillars of impact: Equity, Access, and Community.
Equity: championing equal opportunity for all people.
Advancing men's mental health awareness and support
Supporting women's rights and gender equity
Access: opening doors to education, opportunity, and experiences that shape a joyful life.
Supporting young scholars and access to education
Expanding access to adventure, sports, and the outdoors
Community: fostering community through connection to people, art, and planet.
Supporting artists and causes that encourage meaningful connection through music and creative expression
Protecting places that allow people to connect to nature and the world at large
After Greg’s passing, his dear friend Nick had the idea to create a team in Greg’s honor for the Mothership Classic, an event in Tahoe that raises money for the High Fives Foundation.
Greg had proudly taken part in this event last year, working tirelessly to raise money for a cause that meant so much to him. He said it best:
“It’s a privilege to be able to use the thing you love most as a vehicle to ensure others, after sustaining life-changing injuries, can stay in love with it, too.”
Greg’s friends originally set out to raise around $10,000 — and ended up raising nearly $50,000.
Through this event, it became clear that Greg’s community not only wanted to honor his legacy, but also cared deeply about helping others, just as Greg did. That momentum inspired the creation of this fund.
Over the next five years, we are devoted to creating opportunities to raise funds and direct resources to communities connected to Greg, expanding access to the joys of life for as many people as possible.
Our Why
We created this foundation to carry that spirit forward.
By inspiring people to rally their own communities around meaningful causes, we hope to create the same ripple effect Greg did throughout his life, bringing people together to expand access, strengthen communities, and create greater opportunity for those who have historically been underserved.
This foundation isn't just a way to honor Greg's memory. It's a way to continue the life he lived.
Community
At the heart of Greg's life were his deep, fiercely loyal friendships, his remarkable ability to connect people, and the vibrant communities he built wherever he went. Whether through skiing, music, sports, history, adventure, or simply great conversation, Greg had a gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel like they belonged.
He always made time to reach out to a friend, support someone with a question, or organize a gathering, personally or professionally, that created meaningful connection. Greg believed that life's greatest joys were meant to be shared, and he lived that belief every day.
Greg didn’t have a TV in his apartment. This was intentional to support his connection to his community around him. His commitment to community made his life rich, vibrant, and boundless.
Because of this, our foundation will be rooted in community. It is both our how and our why. In Greg's spirit, we will bring people together through events and shared experiences that raise funds for impactful causes and strengthen the communities that meant so much to him.
Access:
Greg was truly a lifelong learner. Reading from a very young age, he was endlessly curious, independent, and always seeking his next adventure or opportunity to learn.
He believed everyone should have access, in some way, to the resources and experiences that cultivate a love of learning. For Greg, education wasn't limited to a classroom; it was found in books, conversations, history, travel, the outdoors, and every new experience.
As a high school student, Greg volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club, supporting children with their homework, education, and personal development. He understood the confidence that knowledge could build because he had experienced it himself.
Greg loved connecting with people over a fascinating piece of history, a fun fact, a great book, or a new perspective. His curiosity was contagious, inspiring those around him to ask questions, keep learning, and see the world with wonder.
Because of Greg’s connection to learning, we will support organizations and causes that help young people discover a passion for learning by expanding access to educational opportunities, meaningful experiences, and the resources that inspire lifelong curiosity.
Equity:
Greg was a bold and vocal advocate for advancing men's mental health awareness and support, as well as supporting women's rights and gender equity.
He championed these causes not only through his words but through his actions, believing that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive and be treated with dignity and respect. He lifted up the people around him by listening, learning, and using his voice to create greater understanding and opportunity.
Greg was committed to continually educating himself, challenging his own perspectives, and sharing what he learned with compassion and care. He believed that meaningful change begins with empathy, understanding, and action.
Through this pillar, we will support organizations and initiatives that advance these values, creating opportunities for individuals and communities to feel seen, supported, and empowered
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