The Trager Foundation (United States Foundation for Trager Education and Research) was established in 2008 as a non-profit, 501-c-3 organization. The Trager Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors while networking regularly with other organizations such as the USTA (United States Trager Association), TI (Trager International), ISMETA (The International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association), and other care-giving organizations.
Primary functions of the Trager Foundation are raising funds, reviewing applications for awarding educational scholarships and research grants, while maintaining fiscal responsibility to ensure continued operations. Board members typically meet by teleconference monthly to conduct the business of the Trager Foundation. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed.
Board Members for 2022-2023:
Richard Mack – President
Jack Blackburn – Vice President
Barbara Mason – Secretary
Anna Marie Bowers – Interim Treasurer/ Administration
Ross Pastel – Board member, Research coordinator
Dianne Khebreh – Treasurer through 10/10/2022 when resignation accepted
Katherine Krull – Board member approved by Trustees 11/14/2022
15 educational scholarships totaling $7,460.00 were awarded for study of The Trager® Approach between 2012-2020.
The Trager Foundation awarded the first research grant in 2018 in the amount of $1,450.00. $600.00 was spent between 2020-2022 to develop and launch the website (2021), https://www.tragerfoundation.org , creating a portal for the submission and initial publication of case reports, anecdotal narratives and research projects. Research applications can be requested by emailing Foundation@tragerus.org.
The available funds for all of these awards are made possible through generous public donations.
Administrative work for the Trager Foundation continues to be managed by volunteers. Board members also serve on a volunteer basis.
As of September 30, 2022, the total amount of unrestricted operating funds is $807.75, while the scholarship and research funds carry balances of $200.00 (Susan Straus Endowment Fund), $332.00 (Pay it Forward Scholarship Fund), $807.20 (Betty Fuller Scholarship Fund) and $2,002.00 (Research Fund).
During 2022, the Trager Foundation has:
Launched and continued to update and maintain a website https://www.tragerfoundation.org
Presented research (Improving Athletic Performance in Youth and Young Adult Adaptive Sports Athletes Through Somatic Movement Re- Education and Therapy) conducted by Richard Mack and Madelana Ferrara at the Paris Movement and Cognition Conference https://www.tragerfoundation.org/paris
Established ongoing communication with multiple other somatic organizations regarding research with the intention of collaboration and networking
Began a quarterly email newsletter to update and reach out to members of the Trager community as well as the general public worldwide
Budgeting is beginning for 2023, and it is our hope that with improved communications about the work we are doing, the projects we look toward in the future, and our vision of being a part of bringing this beautiful Trager work to the public, we can continue to build infrastructure that will last and receive the funding necessary to ensure that reality.