Nonprofit organization based out of Wildwood, NJ; IRS 501(c)3 TAX-ID #83-4646007
Who We Are & Our Mission:
We are a nonprofit organization based out of Wildwood, NJ (helping mostly Cape May County and surrounding areas), that provides athletic equipment and other necessities to local student-athletes and families in need of financial assistance. Our mission is to motivate and inspire kids at an early age to be a part of something special. Growing up, my dad used to tell my sisters and I "poise and confidence" when we were playing basketball. I feel as if this relates to all of life. I want to share this with others through acts of service in the community. This is me playing the game I love at an early age.
Our Why
Our Why
Growing up, my mom was (and still is) a teacher and my dad was a liquor salesman and basketball coach (and still is). I have always admired how much my mom loves her job and how she has always gone the extra mile for her students. I've always wanted to be just like my dad. He has a way about him that just makes people feel important, safe, and like they belong. Through being a basketball coach for roughly 20 years, I've watched my dad go the extra mile for his players time and time again. This included sometimes getting kids a pair of basketball shoes when they couldn't afford it or buying kids a couple new pairs of clothes when they could not afford that either. When I got to high school, I really started to notice firsthand how much of a need there actually was, particularly through my sports teams. I was blessed enough to have graduated from Wildwood High School as a 2,000 point scorer and the valedictorian of my class. I was so grateful for my time there and wanted to do something to give back. In April of 2019, a couple months before I graduated from high school, I started the Step Back Foundation so I could give back to a community that has given so much to me.
What is the Step Back Foundation?
The Step Back Foundation is a non-profit organization based out of Cape May County, New Jersey. We provide athletic equipment and other necessities to local student-athletes and families in need of financial assistance.
We have realized, however, sports aren't the only thing! We promote community involvement in any capacity. The idea is that a kid should not miss out on an on opportunity to be a part of something special just because they do not have the financial means to do so. We give back to kids on any sports team, club, or organization. We also donate necessities; such as clothing, shoes, gift cards to grocery shopping, etc. to families in need throughout the area.
Although we were founded on the premises of athletics, we focus heavily on promoting mental wellbeing and the importance of kindness in our daily lives.
We raise money through various different fundraising efforts. We have four main events each year (will be adding more so stay tuned) including a 3v3 basketball tournament, a 5k run/1-mile walk, an Easter egg hunt, and a fall auction. We also sell gear in order to raise money, which is available through this site!
How to Donate
Upcoming Events
Check out our Eventbrite to find out more information on our upcoming/2024 events.
Step Back Donations
Through various fundraising efforts and events, we raise money that goes towards kids in need of athletic equipment and other necessities.
If you can not attend one of our events, you may donate by writing a check and mailing it our new office location. Checks are payable to the "Step Back Foundation" at 200 New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260.
We also have an option to donate by Venmo. Our username is @thestepbackfoundation_ .
You may also donate through Donorbox by clicking the box below.
Office/Store Location
Our office is located at 200 New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260. Our store hours are limited, so stay tuned to our social media posts to see when you can come shop!
However, you may donate by purchasing gear through our online shop (this link).
More of Recent Events & Projects
More On Us & What We Do
In this photo, Sawyer Selby dresses as the Step Back girl for Halloween.
6abc News Story
6abc News came down to Wildwood to share our story. Click the link below to read the full story and to watch a video on who we are and what we are about.
2023 #BCMFBeKindAward
We were fortunate enough to receive the #BCMFBeKindAward at the 2023 Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, NJ this past June.
2025 "Live Like Bolle" Scholarships
We have scholarships available in memory of Mr. Bill Bolle, who unfortunately passed away in October of 2017. Mr. Bolle loved and promoted high school athletics. High school sports change the lives of many high school students by improving their work ethic, staying active, building memories, and of course, forming relationships that will last a long time. But most importantly, Mr. Bolle valued his family more than anything.
Any 8th-grade student from Wildwood Catholic Academy is eligible for this scholarship. One student will be selected. The amount of this scholarship will be determined.
Any Cape May County student in 12th grade is available for our high school senior scholarship. Multiple students will be selected and amounts of each scholarship may vary.
Please either email us a copy back at thestepbackfoundation@gmail.com or mail us your application at 200 New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260. Scholarship applications are due by May 5th, 2025.
8th Grade Student Application
Any 8th-grade student from Wildwood Catholic Academy is eligible for this scholarship.
The scholarship amount will be determined.
Due: May 5th, 2025
(Pictured is the Bolle family at our 2023 "Live Like Bolle" 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk. Money raised goes to our scholarships in the name of Mr. Bill Bolle.)
High School Senior Scholarship
Any 12th-grade student in Cape May County, NJ is eligible for this scholarship.
Multiple students will be selected and amounts of each scholarship may vary.
Due: May 5th, 2025
(Pictured is Morgan Delaney after winning a "Live Like Bolle" Scholarship in 2022. Morgan attended Middle Township High School.)