Grants for your school's athletic programs can be obtained from an array of sources and can play a significant role in helping your school's sports programs continue in times of economic hardship. Foundations often support teams in specific cities or states, or sometimes support the purchase of sports equipment. In addition, consider reaching out to alumni and local businesses to see if they would be interested in contributing to ensure that kids in your community get the physical and mental benefits of playing an organized sport with your school's program.
The Women's Sports Foundation
Women's teams in specific cities can seek out funding through a number of initiatives of the Women's Sports Foundation. For example, the GoGirlGo program accepts proposals for organizations enhancing the lives of girls between 8 and 18; in 2010, target cities for this program included Atlanta, Boston and Seattle. In addition, Ambassador Team Awards are also available from the Women's Sports Foundation.
The LA84 Sports Foundation
Athletic programs in Southern California's eight counties are eligible for support from this foundation, which seeks to carry on the spirit of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. In 2010, over $2 million was given away. Schools seeking funding may serve students between the ages of 6 and 17.
Carol M. White Physical Education Program
The U.S. Department of Education oversees this grantmaking program, which supports school-based programs across the country in creating new programs or extending the impact of existing physical education programs. As of January 2011, grants range between $100,000 and $750,000.
United States Tennis Association
The United States Tennis Association, or USTA, helps high school tennis players have an easier financial burden by providing grants to programs to buy exquipment. Buying balls, rackets, nets and other essential supplies thus can help schools with no tennis program improve student access to the game of tennis. The USTA also funds activities related to teacher development and training and alter-school programs. Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Football programs of schools in underserved communities can get financial assistance for building or improving fields from the LISC Grassroots program, which works with the National Football League´s Youth Football Fun program. LISC finds the schools and organizations that will build or take care of the fields, while the NFL funds purchase and installation of improvements or costs associated with creating an entire new field.
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Writer Bio
Catalina Logan began writing professionally in 2005. She has been an editor for “Kopa” literary magazine and her work appeared in the publication as well. A fitness and outdoors enthusiast, Logan is a long-distance runner and has scaled the highest peaks of Malaysia and Vietnam. Logan holds a Bachelor of Arts in American studies from Yale University.