Monetary donations result in annual checks gifted to schools, which then issue vouchers for students in greatest need to purchase new cleats or training shoes.

Physical donations involve collecting new or gently used cleats from supporters and distributing them directly to schools in the Chicagoland area —approximately 350 pairs were given out through 2018, with the total approaching over 500 cleats donated since 2015.

Benefiting schools include; Niles West, Niles North, Evanston Township High School, Addison Trail, Back of the Yards College Prep, and Muchin College Prep, Wheeling High School, Maine East. 

Fiscal Sponsorship by the Evanston Community Foundation — The fund is hosted and administered through the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF), a nonprofit organization based in Evanston, Illinois, that serves as its fiscal sponsor and holds the fund in trust. This partnership provides the Shawn Patrick Afryl #56 Shoe Fund with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, enabling tax-deductible donations and efficient management of contributions. Memorial gifts and other donations are directed c/o ECF (e.g., at 1560 Sherman Ave., Suite 535, Evanston, IL 60201). This structure allows our small, volunteer-driven organization to focus on its mission while benefiting from ECF's expertise in philanthropy, grantmaking, and long-term stewardship, ensuring donations maximize impact for student-athletes in the Chicago area.