GRASSROOTS GROWTH – LEARN MORE ABOUT USA PICKLEBALL ’ S GRANT PROGRAM
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by HANA PAPACO
MANAGER OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
The USA Pickleball Grant Program was established in 2008 and has since awarded more than 1,600 grants to deserving pickleball programs . The purpose of the grant program is to encourage organizations to offer pickleball programs with the use of start-up equipment and resources .
So far in 2023 , it has awarded 90 grants across the three segments – Community , Youth , and Collegiate . The 90 awards equate to just over $ 25,000 in disbursements , adding to the $ 315,000 distributed since the program ’ s inception . In addition to the grant funds , USA Pickleball has coordinated with various paddle manufacturers who have donated more than 6,800 paddles since 2010 as a part of the grant program .
Community Grant Program
The Community Grant Program focuses on new pickleball facilities that have been playing for three months or fewer . The intent is to help these clubs and groups grow their participation levels within the community , specifically in areas that do not offer many playing opportunities .
“ Getting the eight courts in Godfrey was a four-year effort aided by the generosity of USA Pickleball to assist in the purchase of the initial equipment used to demonstrate the interest in pickleball .” – Ruby Berghoff ( Godfrey , IL , awarded May 2021 )
“[ USA Pickleball ’ s ] support empowers us to continue providing high-quality resources , services , and programs to kids in our community .” – Village Learning Place ( Baltimore , MD , awarded February 2023 )
Collegiate Grant Program
The Collegiate Grant Program , a new addition in 2022 , focuses on helping colleges and universities create a pickleball group or club on campus by supplying basic start-up equipment and resources .
“ With the grant money , [ Jacksonville State University ] was able to purchase paddles , balls and a net to be used to teach new , upcoming players the game of pickleball . We also have much JSU faculty / staff interest , and now we are not only able to provide a facility , but also the equipment for their growth in the sport as well .” – Jacksonville State University ( Jacksonville , AL , awarded March 2023 )
The USA Pickleball Grant Program continues to review applications on a rolling basis . If you know of a deserving group that could benefit from the grant funding , check out the Grants page at usapickleball . org / get-involved / grant-program . •
Community Spotlight
Youth Grant Program
The purpose of the Youth Grant Program is to encourage organizations to offer a youth pickleball program or club that gets students playing the game and benefiting from all of the instructional resources , as well as dynamic games / activities developed by USA Pickleball .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | MAGAZINE 61