Shift Up Now Foundation Inc

Overview

Shift Up Now Foundation Inc is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on supporting and empowering female athletes in the motorsport industry. Established to address the significant disparity in funding opportunities for women in motorsports, the foundation works to provide resources that help bridge this gap and enable female racers to compete effectively at all levels.

History and Mission

Shift Up Now was originally founded in 2016 by Lynn Kehoe with the mission of helping fund talented female racers. In 2020, Pippa Mann, a seven-time Indianapolis 500 competitor, took over the management of the organization. The Shift Up Now Foundation itself was established as a 501(c)(3) entity in 2022, which allows it to accept tax-deductible donations and grants, furthering its mission to provide equal opportunities in motorsports.

Objectives and Activities

The foundation's primary objective is to offer financial support and opportunities to talented female drivers. This support includes access to better equipment, more practice time, and resources for career development. By providing these opportunities, the foundation aims to assist female racers in achieving success in their careers and competing equally with their male counterparts.

Grants and Funding

The Shift Up Now Foundation awards grants to female drivers participating in various racing series. In one of its recent initiatives, the foundation allocated over $250,000 in grants to support fifteen female drivers across twelve different racing series. Notable recipients include Tatiana Calderon, who competes in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.

Impact and Inspiration

The foundation draws inspiration from successful projects like the Iron Dames, an all-female GT team that has achieved significant racing victories. These achievements highlight the potential of female athletes when given equal opportunities in motorsports. Through its work, the Shift Up Now Foundation continues to advocate for gender equality and increased opportunities for women in the sport.