Ally here! I sat down with our one and only Alli Faricy, executive director of Foley to talk everything non-profit! Check out what she had to say below…
How are you feeling about the change to a nonprofit?
Becoming a nonprofit has brought a mix of emotions, but more than anything, I’m feeling deeply grateful and energized for what lies ahead. This transition feels like the right step—one that honors our history while opening the door to new possibilities and partnerships. I’m excited not only for the mission and the work we get to continue, but also for my family, who have been part of this amazing place for over 70 years. Their support, encouragement, and belief in this vision make this moment even more meaningful, and I’m looking forward to the future we get to build together with the new Camp Foley board of directors and with the support of my mom, Marie, my siblings, aunt and cousins.
How might this change make camp even better for kids in the future?
The number one reason for this change is ensuring the future of Foley. Marie and I have been wrestling with what happens to Foley after us, and this change allows for the entire Foley community to have a stake in what that future is, beyond just our family. Changing Camp Foley to a non-profit will make camp even better because it lets us put every bit of support straight back into the camper experience. It lets us focus on what matters most to us… better programs, strong staff, updated spaces, and making camp more accessible for more kids. It also opens up new possibilities like grants and donations that help us dream bigger. Overall, going non-profit just means Camp Foley can keep growing in all the right ways for the campers who come now and the ones who will come in the future.
Will families notice any day-to-day changes at camp because of this switch?
Great question, and one we have gotten from a few parents as we have announced this transition. The short answer is no, Foley campers will not notice really any difference in their day-to-day lives this summer. Our goal is to keep the amazing programs and traditions we have going steady while being able to improve many aspects of Foley over time. We make improvements and changes every year, and that will continue. I will still be on site every day, working behind the scenes and in front of the kids to make sure that things run smoothly, food is on the table and our activities are safe and robust. I want to continue to share my over 20 years of camp experience and passion with the kids, while also being excited with the new business challenges.
Will becoming a non-profit change how much camp costs or what financial help families can get?
It might and it might not! While we can’t predict the future, our hope is to keep tuition at a place accessible to most of our Foley families. We believe in the value of camp and this gets a little businessy but in many ways we have always operated as a nonprofit…pouring the profits back into the betterment of camp, not into our own pockets. We hope we can continue to offer even more financial aid and support to families who otherwise cannot afford camp. We do feel very proud to say that even before becoming a non-profit, we had a robust scholarship program (run through the American Camp Association), raising over $210,000 for campers to attend Foley over the last 8 years. With this transition, we only expect that number to grow!
Will people be able to make tax-deductible donations, and what would those donations go toward?
Absolutely! We hear from so many alumni, staff, and parents how impactful camp is and was for them. So many conversations start with…”without Foley I would never have…”. If you have the means to donate and would like to do that now or in the future, we now have more ways for you to make your money go toward something that is meaningful to you. Right now, our big ask is for “Unrestricted Funds”. We hope you trust us to make good decisions with how to operate camp and what the needs are of our program. This gives us the most freedom to continue to make those decisions. In the future there will be capital campaigns for bigger projects (the first will be our East Washo and some cabin remodels). You can learn more about how to donate here.
Do you think alumni might get more chances to be involved or help out?
We hope so! We believe one of the positives of our nonprofit status is hoping to continue to involve alumni in building the future of Foley, not just monetarily but physically! We will have more information soon on lots of different ways people could be part of that future. We have had a few alumni already use VTO or Volunteering Time Off (time used to volunteer at non-profits) with time off covered by their employer. If you are interested in using VTO at Foley, please reach out. We would love to coordinate with you on how we can work together to make Camp Foley even better. Foley connections run deep and one of the best ways you can continue to help us is by spreading the word of our program to camper and staff aged youth.
Anything else you want to say?
At our core we are still just a simple summer camp that wants to make sure we create incredible opportunities for young people to grow. As we look ahead, I want to reaffirm my promise to work hard every day to honor the spirit of this place and the people who make it special. Camp has always been more than a collection of cabins or programs—it’s a community built on shared care, trust, and the belief that we are better when we show up for one another. That sense of belonging doesn’t happen by accident; it’s created by each of us choosing kindness, stepping up when someone needs a hand, and remembering that every person here matters. I’m committed to carrying that work forward, and I’m grateful to stand alongside a community that continues to embody the very best of what camp can be. Welcome to the future of the Foley Family.
