By Karen Ronney

The countdown is on to apply for USTA’s Grow The Game Grant, a generous recovery initiate to help pros, clubs and organizations bring tennis to beginning level juniors and adults. The deadline for the first phase is October 1, so don’t miss this opportunity.To apply, CLICK HERE.

This program is intended to encourage and recognize local organizations that are actively engaging new and returning players into the sport in a safe and meaningful way. Grants can be used to help with coaching costs, tennis balls, teaching equipment (tubes, carts, hoppers),cleaning/sanitizing efforts, or marketing.

At the present time, $3 million dollars in Grow the Game Grant funding is available nationwide. Funding will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the number of new and returning players an Organization provides in eligible Programs between May 1st and November 1st, 2021.

Grant award amounts will vary, based on the number of new and/or returning players who complete a qualified Program, the availability of funding at the time all Grant requirements are completed, and is in the sole discretion of the USTA. Support includes the following:

  • Between #8-20 players, Grant for $10/player (minimum 8 players to receive a Grant)
  • Between #21-50, players Grant for $11/player
  • #51 players or more, Grant for $12/player
  • There is no guarantee that the maximum award per number of players will be issued even if all criteria is met.

For example: If 60 new or returning players participated in an entry-level program, the grant breakdown would be as follows. 60 x $12 = $720.

Grow the Game Grant FAQ’s

What type of organization is eligible to apply for a Grow The Game Grant? The type of eligible organization may vary, and include parks, schools, NJTL, community tennis associations, and other entities.

What qualifies as a new or returning player? A new player is an individual who has never participated in an organized program. A returning player is an individual who has not played in a coach-led organized program in the past 12 months.

What is considered open to the public? For purposes of this Grant, your Organization makes its programs available to the public.

Can an individual receive a grant? No. The Grantee must be an organization and in good standing with local, state, and federal guidelines.

What programs are eligible in order for an Organization to be considered for a grant? Programs must provide group entry-level tennis that involve a minimum of 4 sessions per participant

What if my program started before the application was available on Tennis Industry United? Only programs beginning May 1 or later, through November 1st  are eligible for consideration.

How should funds be utilized from the Grow The Game Grant? The intent of the Grant is to defray some of the costs of delivering quality entry-level programs that meet the criteria for those organizations actively engaging new and returning players into the sport in a safe and meaningful way. Please see examples below – Coaching costs:

  • Tennis balls, teaching equipment (e.g. tubes, carts, hoppers)
  • Cleaning Services
  • Marketing
  • Other tennis-related expenses

Will I need to show how I spent/intend to spend the grant funds? No, but you are asked to identify how you will use the funds, and the funds are intended to be utilized for the above type of items.

Is this a competitive grant? Yes. Grant funds are limited, and Grant awards are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis.  Grants are awarded at the sole discretion of the USTA to the Organizations completing the process in the order in which they were received, but there is no guarantee that meeting all the requirements will result in full or partial funding due to the limited funds available.

Is there other USTA funding available? Please stay up to date with Tennis Industry United and check with your USTA Section and/or District for additional grant opportunities.

Is there a maximum grant amount? The maximum funding amount may be determined by your respective USTA Section.

This is a competitive Grant and applications, verified Program information, and completed Program Participant Validation Forms will be evaluated in the order in which they are received.

The deadline for applications is October 1, 2021. CLICK HERE. 

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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TENNIS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
Our mission of “Changing Lives and Communities through Tennis,” serves as a pathway to offer financial support to individuals and organizations. We are a 501©3 nonprofit organization and the charitable arm of USTA Southern California. We help people of all ages and abilities to improve their health, fitness and quality of life through the sport of tennis. Founded in 1986, the SCTA Foundation has had a community impact of giving more than $500,000 this year through grants, scholarships, program support, equipment and more to recipients throughout Southern California. To learn more about the SCTA Foundation, please visit sctafoundation.org. To donate CLICK HERE.