Create a
lasting legacy

Retrievers Forever Foundation, Inc. (RFF) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and strengthening the retriever field trial sport and it’s retriever breeds. Our goal is to make it easy to donate nationwide, providing indispensable funding for the sport to thrive far into the future.

We’re here for retrievers and their people.

For Retriever Clubs and field trialers who have devoted years of training, competing with and loving retrievers, this organization is for you. Retrievers Forever Foundation is a way to keep the field trial sport thriving, and give back to the lifestyle that gives us so much.

Who We Serve

  • AKC-Registered Retriever Clubs in Good Standing

  • Field Trial Participants

  • Philanthropists

  • Retriever Owners

  • Canine Researchers

  • Winona Community Foundation

What We Do

Through tax-exempt donations, we provide funds in the form of grants to field trial clubs for the acquisition of training and trialing grounds, improvements and upgrades to club infrastructure including equipment or facilities, education for clubs on the benefits of 501(c)(3) structure, while also funding health research specifically for retrievers. Below are some examples.

  • Grounds & Ponds

  • Clubhouse Buildings

  • Gravel Roads

  • Land Maintenance Equipment

  • Clubhouse Amenities

  • Storage

  • Trial Tents

  • Bird Pens

  • Irrigation Wells

Who We Are

Established by and for dog people, Retrievers Forever Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to supporting retriever sports by:

• Improving existing club’s training and trial grounds, infrastructure and equipment

• Acquiring new land for permanent training and trialing grounds

• Financing retriever health research

• Providing 501(c)(3) support for retriever clubs

OUR MISSION

To strengthen the sport of retriever field trials through the improvement of training & trialing grounds and the funding of retriever health research.

RFF Organizational Structure

Retrievers Forever Foundation, Inc. resides under the umbrella of the Winona Community Foundation.

Community foundations work to encourage and efficiently grow charitable giving. They serve as a resource to donors who may need advice or assistance on how to maximize their charitable giving and estate planning.

Any funds donated to Retrievers Forever Foundation, Inc. will go directly into our granting process. Grant requests will be accepted any time, while grants will be considered and distributed quarterly.

Board of Directors

Randy Spangler

President

Randy has been active in the retriever game since 1998.  With a kennel full of labradors, he loves every minute he gets to train and compete with these amazing dogs.

Michael Brenden

Secretary

Michael trained and trialed black dogs in the 1990’s. Then a career in finance and project management got in the way. Fortunately, since retiring, he is back in the retriever world and couldn’t be happier.

Dr. Kipp Erickson

Health & Research Director

After completing his doctorate in cardiopulmonary physiology and exercise performance at KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and a career in drug discovery and development, Kipp partnered with Alaska’s Redington Racing, guiding elite sled dogs to top 10 finishes in the Iditarod. Currently, Kipp has several labs competing in field trials.

Marcy Wright

PRTA

Marcy left her career as Operations Superintendent/Paramedic in Canada to become a full time dog trainer 15 years ago.  While achieving success as a trainer (2023 National Retriever Champion), her focus is on giving back to the dogs and the sport she loves.

Mike Hill

Treasurer

Mike’s love for retrievers started back over 45 years ago hunting in the dove fields of south Alabama. His passion for hunting and the opportunity to work with and train his dogs has (fortunately) become a way of life.

Judy Rasmuson

Philanthropic Advisor

Born and raised in Alaska, Judy enjoyed a successful career in New York, throughout the U.S and Europe designing, touring and teaching theatrical lighting. Instrumental in establishing the Golden Retriever Foundation, Judy currently spends time breeding and training retrievers for field trials.

Nancy Brenden

Marketing Director

A copywriter and creative director in the advertising industry for 35+ years, Nancy brings a love for labradors, plus extensive marketing experience and expertise to RFF.

Dr. Sarah Shull

Health & Research Director

During Sarah's veterinary career she became board certified in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation and has been involved in many dog sports. Today, she is faculty at Michigan State University and balances teaching, clinical practice and research with training and running a crew of dogs in AKC retriever field trials. 

Wayne Curtis

PRTA

With 49 years of professional retriever training experience, Wayne capped off an illustrious career in 2022 with a Retriever Hall of Fame induction. Yet, Wayne’s success relies on more than just practical knowledge, he trains with heart, soul and a passion for the dogs and sport of field trialing.

RFF Executive Committee

Grant Committees

These retriever people volunteer their time and expertise to give back to Retrievers Forever Foundation. They are dedicated to overseeing all donated funds in the best way possible for the dogs and the future of our sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

More FAQs

  • AKC-registered field trial clubs and validated canine researchers.

  • Current focus is AKC-retriever field trial clubs so some cross-over does occur.

  • RFF grants follow board-approved policy with consideration to donor’s wishes

Engage with the Retrievers Forever Foundation

Request A Grant: Retriever Clubs can apply for grants to purchase or improve grounds for training, buy equipment, fund infrastructure improvements and seek 501(c)(3) advice. Grants will be made quarterly, based on funds available.

Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation to Retrievers Forever Foundation, Inc., whether a one-time donation or as part of your estate planning process.

To learn more, request a grant or donate, contact Michael Brenden, Secretary, at 612.850.1004.