The Future of GPRF: Adapting, Listening, and Leading

With over 40 years of history, the George Pocock Rowing Foundation (GPRF) has impacted countless individuals and organizations. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we continue to evolve—ensuring our mission remains relevant and our impact continues to grow.

In this Q & A session, we talk with Executive Director Jenn Gibbons and Deputy Director Padraic McGovern to learn about their vision for the next forty years.

Q: You’ve been with GPRF for almost five years, navigating a pandemic and multiple major transitions. What has been the most important lesson, or lessons, from this experience?

One of the most crucial lessons has been the importance of relationships and active listening. These elements are fundamental to sustaining our organization and fulfilling our mission.

The George Pocock Rowing Foundation has been fortunate to evolve, but relevance is not automatic—it requires intentional listening. Listening takes many forms, from direct conversations with our board and staff to one-on-one meetings with boathouse leaders. It means asking our partners what matters most to them and responding accordingly.

For example, one boathouse has engaged with the GPRF in multiple ways—receiving scholarships, grants, and leadership support. However, their greatest need has been scholarship funding. That’s not necessarily the case for every boathouse. Some may have strong scholarship endowments but struggle to attract new youth athletes. For them, a program like Camp Lucy may be a better fit.

During the pandemic, many boathouses needed direct grants just to stay operational. That was the landscape when I (Jenn) first joined the Foundation. However, as we moved forward, we realized that while grants were helpful, they weren’t always the most impactful or sustainable way to support our community. Some boathouses used grant funds for scholarships, while others had different needs.

Every boathouse operates differently, relying on a mix of participant fees and philanthropy. Some can sustain themselves, while others depend on the GPRF to remain afloat. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we continue working to supplement and strengthen the incredible work these organizations are already doing.

Ultimately, our goal is to expand access and support boathouses in ways that are both relevant and sustainable.

Q: The GPRF has a long history of philanthropy in the region. How is this mission being fulfilled in 2025?

Philanthropy looks different for every organization we support, and our role extends beyond financial contributions. While some partners receive direct support from our scholarship fund, our impact also comes in the form of leadership, credibility, and the ability to connect people and ideas.

The GPRF serves as a hub of information, sharing industry best practices and helping organizations navigate challenges. For example, a boathouse on Mercer Island recently asked, What does a strong set of by-laws look like? Do you have examples? That kind of guidance—built on decades of experience—adds value beyond dollars alone.

Our focus remains on increasing access for young people, but how that takes shape varies. Whether it's financial support, consulting, or program design, our role is to share our time, talent, and resources to benefit the region as a whole.

Change is constant, but often, the biggest shifts happen in small, incremental ways. In rowing, George Pocock introduced new materials for boatbuilding, a seemingly minor adjustment that ultimately transformed the sport. Similarly, at the GPRF, small operational changes lead to major long-term impacts, shaping both our organization and the rowing community.

When George Pocock arrived in the Pacific Northwest, rowing was virtually nonexistent. Today, the sport thrives, a testament to his enduring influence. There’s a common perception that 'the Pocock Foundation can do anything'—a reflection of George’s legacy of determination and innovation. While we can’t do everything, we remain committed to taking on projects that drive meaningful change, and we believe in the strength of the region on which George had a considerable influence.

Q: The GPRF has been fiscally responsible for the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund since 2020. What is its current status?

The GPRF has always sought opportunities to help the sport evolve. Whether through films, fiscal sponsorships, or program incubation—like our partnership with Row for the Cure—our governance strength allows us to create meaningful collaborations.

Arshay Cooper said it best when he wrote:

“In 2021, the George Pocock Rowing Foundation (GPRF) played a pivotal role in launching the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBTIF) by serving as its fiscal sponsor. Over the past three years, the GPRF has been an exceptional partner, helping us introduce thousands of young people from under-resourced communities to the sport of rowing. 

As AMBTIF has grown, we’ve developed strong relationships with the Concrete Foundation and Concept2 through initiatives like our summer leadership rowing camps, partnerships at regattas, and their generous contributions of ergs and oars to our partner programs. Their unwavering support has enriched our efforts, creating meaningful opportunities for participants to thrive and excel.

We are deeply grateful to the GPRF for their steadfast support in helping us lay a strong foundation and achieve remarkable success.”

Our partnership with the AMBTIF was built on mission alignment, and now, that mission continues under new leadership. As of March 1, 2025, AMBTIF transitioned to Concept2’s charitable organization, the Concrete Foundation.

Both the GPRF and the AMBTIF are committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent transition, with minimal disruption to employees and stakeholders. The transition of the 2021 Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement marks a shift in operational dynamics, but it doesn’t preclude us from things in the future.

Q: Over the past 40 years, the GPRF has impacted many lives. Recently, its focus has narrowed to youth programs. What can you share about the current programs and their future?

At its core, the GPRF’s mission is about shaping the future—not just for the sport of rowing but for the next generation of athletes and leaders.

The youth sports industry is an estimated $40 billion market because parents recognize the benefits: better health outcomes, stronger leadership skills, improved academic performance, and social-emotional development. However, not all kids have access to these opportunities.

Our programs are designed to bridge that gap, ensuring that young people who might never have considered rowing get the chance to experience its benefits.

The reality is that the cost of youth sports will continue to rise, widening the divide between those who can afford to participate and those who cannot. The GPRF is committed to addressing this disparity—not just by providing opportunities for participation but by focusing on the long-term outcomes that sports can offer.

For 40 years, our ability to adapt has been the key to our success. The needs of the rowing community have changed, and we have evolved alongside them. If we hadn’t, we wouldn’t have been listening.

Our focus moving forward is clear: continue listening, continue adapting, and continue ensuring that rowing is a sport for everyone.