EVERY KID DESERVES THE CHANCE.
To play. To learn. To discover what they love.
The Derek Dowson Foundation works to remove the financial and practical barriers that keep Great Falls kids from participating in sports, activities and experiences that help them grow.
Growing up should be about discovering what lights you up.
Joining the team. Playing sports. Going to camp. Trying something new and finding out you’re good at it, you love it, or you’ve found somewhere you belong.
But cost, equipment and access can stand between a kid and those opportunities.
The Derek Dowson Foundation is building a community-supported fund to help remove those barriers and create more chances for Great Falls kids to play, learn and discover.
Because kids can’t discover what they love if they never get the chance to try.
WHAT WE'RE BUILDING
CARRYING #40 FORWARD
For more than 20 years, Derek’s legacy has continued through the people and traditions that carry #40 forward.
From the Derek Dowson Student Athlete Scholarship to the Great Falls High Football #40 jersey tradition, we celebrate young people who lead with character, work ethic, humility and heart.
Who Was Derek?
On August 3, 2005, Great Falls lost an extraordinary young man. Derek Dowson was just 16—a star athlete, a devoted son and brother, a friend who made everyone around him better. His life was cut short in a tragic farming accident, but his legacy refuses to fade.
Derek believed in showing up, working hard, being a great teammate and making the people around him better. Sports were a huge part of his life, but the lessons were bigger than sports. They gave him teammates, coaches, confidence, discipline, belonging and a community that still carries his legacy today.
The Derek Dowson Foundation exists to give more Great Falls kids the opportunity to find their passion, find their people and discover what they're capable of.
A NOTE FROM DEREK'S MOM, ANGIE DOWSON
Sports have always been a big part of my life and our family’s life. We were fortunate that our kids had opportunities to play, try different things and be involved. Today, those opportunities can be expensive, and for some kids, the cost means they may never even get the chance to try.
I’ve always believed there is so much young people can gain from being part of something. Sports taught me about teamwork, discipline and resilience. Those lessons stayed with me throughout my life and even helped give me strength through losing Derek.
But it doesn’t have to be sports. It might be music, shop class, camp or something entirely different. Kids don’t know what they’ll love or what they’re capable of until they’re given the opportunity to try.
For more than 20 years, I’ve watched Derek’s legacy continue through young people who never knew him. Now, through the Derek Dowson Foundation, we have the chance to carry that legacy forward in another way: by creating more opportunities for kids right here in Great Falls.
I think Derek would be pretty proud of that.
Donate Today
Give online below, or mail a check payable to the Derek Dowson Foundation to:
Derek Dowson Foundation
2 5th St N, Suite 101
Great Falls, MT 59401
Your gift supports Opportunity Grants for Great Falls kids and the scholarships awarded each year in Derek's name. Please include your email or mailing address with your check so we can send you a receipt.
Questions? Email us at derekdowsonfoundation@gmail.com.