Sonny Sikes Pioneer Award
Funding Amount
Amount not specified
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Overview
Award recognizing NIRA members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to college rodeo.
Award Criteria: Given to athletes who show leadership commitment to college rodeo through service roles and contributions to the sport
Background: Named after Sonny Sikes, who has an extensive background in college rodeo:
- Competed and won national titles in team roping and tie-down roping at Sam Houston State University
- Served as coach at Sam Houston State University
- From 1962-1979, served as NIRA Executive Secretary (with wife Joanne)
- Known for dedication and passion for college rodeo
Example Winner Profile: Senior athletes who have:
- Served as Regional Student Director
- Taken on multiple leadership roles within NIRA
- Competed at CNFR multiple times
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing college rodeo
Geographic Scope: United States - all NIRA members eligible
Eligibility: College rodeo athletes who are NIRA members
What National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 1
- Total given
- $130K
- Median grant
- $130K
- By dollars: Washington 100%. Top recipient cities: Walla Walla, WA.
Example grants
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation · Walla Walla, WA
Donations to scholarship program
$130K
Related Grants
Open grants from this funder and similar programs
Rachel Hendrix Memorial Scholarship
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
Amount
$1,500 per award (two awards per year)
Deadline
Deadline not published
NIRA Alumni, Inc. Scholarships
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
Amount
$30,000 - $42,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Patty Skogan Memorial Scholarships
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
Amount
Amount not specified
Deadline
Deadline not published
Jerry Beagley Top Rough Stock and Timed Event Scholarship
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
Amount
$500 - $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Walt Garrison Top Hand Award
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
Amount
$2,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Harry Vold "Duke of the Chutes" Scholarship
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
Amount
$2,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
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