The Sam Foltz Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit recognized by the IRS. Tax ID Number: 81-5008762.

Sam Foltz Scholarship

The Sam Foltz Memorial Scholarship is a one-year award given in the amount of $2,000 to a Grand Island, NE Senior High Graduate and $500 to a Central Valley High School (Greeley) Graduate.

 

Sam Foltz Hero 27 Award

This annual award is presented to 27 Nebraska student-athletes across all sports who exhibit strong leadership qualities, commitment to service and their ability to encourage and empower peers.

 

Sam Foltz Memorial Scholarship

The Sam Foltz Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to the Nebraska Cornhusker football player whom best represents Sam’s characteristics of excellence and leadership – on and off the field.

About Sam Foltz and the foundation honoring his legacy

The Sam Foltz Foundation exemplifies the enduring spirit of Sam, celebrating his love for life and dedicated to continuing his legacy by generating awareness and funds for causes that held significance for him.

A preseason contender for the Ray Guy Award, Sam was poised to be a leading punter nationally in 2016 until he tragically lost his life in an automobile accident on July 23, 2016. A native of Greeley, Nebraska, Sam had completed his agronomy degree in May 2016 and was prepared to embark on his senior season as a graduate student. As a three-year starting punter for the Huskers, his career boasted a noteworthy average of 42.6 yards per punt, ranking fifth all-time at Nebraska.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Sam excelled academically and in community engagement. 

A five-time member of the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll, he earned recognition on both the Brook Berringer and Tom Osborne Citizenship teams in 2016. Sam was honored with a Nebraska Student-Athlete HERO Leadership Award the same year, acknowledging his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to community service, and positive influence on the team.

In the aftermath of Sam's untimely death in July 2016, the Sam Foltz Foundation was established in 2017. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the foundation remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing awareness and fundraising initiatives for causes that resonated deeply with Sam, thereby preserving his impactful legacy.