POPULARITY OF SPORT ACCELERATES GROWTH OF USA PICKLEBALL ’ S GRANT PROGRAM
by HANA PAPACO
USA PICKLEBALL MANAGER OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
The USA Pickleball Grant Program is geared toward helping new pickleball groups get the ball rolling with basic equipment and has distributed over $ 400,000 to deserving programs since 2008 . In 2023 , USA Pickleball ’ s grants committee saw the most traction and interest in the program in its history , benefiting community groups , colleges and universities , and youth programs across the country . The committee reflects on the past year and what they hope to achieve in 2024 and beyond .
“ It was an honor to work with the grants committee in 2023 to complete what was considered an unsurpassed year , being able to award more than $ 40,000 in grants to 160- plus communities in 40 states , as well as Puerto Rico ,” said Heather Conger , co-chair of the USA Pickleball Grants Committee . “ The committee is committed to promoting pickleball by awarding grants to areas that currently are in need of places to play .”
Due to the growth and visibility that pickleball has been experiencing , the grant program saw an influx of applications in the past year and a half . This helped groups and individuals connect with USA Pickleball and its initiatives in growing the sport across the country .
Ernie Medina , Jr ., a USA Pickleball ambassador , board of directors member and grants committee member , has seen firsthand what a grant can do for a community . Medina received a grant in 2016 for his fledgling pickleball group in Grand Terrace , California , which was at the time playing on basketball courts .
“ With that grant , we grew to be the birthplace of the Loma Linda Pickleball Club , which trained and grew future club leaders , founders , and ambassadors to the surrounding cities ,” Medina said . “ Since joining the USA Pickleball board in 2020 — and joining the grants committee — it ’ s been exciting to see , week
The Loma Linda Pickleball Club hosts youth clinics and other events at the Azure Hills Courts , funded in part by grants awarded by the USA Pickleball Grants Committee . Photo courtesy of Ernie Medina , Jr .
after week , new grants being awarded to brand-new locations all over the USA . This is a portion of your USA Pickleball membership dues hard at work !”
Since 2010 , the USA Pickleball Grants Committee has received generous donations from a variety of paddle manufacturers , which donated paddles that could be sent to recipients as part of their award . In 2023 , the committee was able to distribute more than 1,500 paddles , 1,000 of which were donated by Selkirk Sports .
In addition to the USA Pickleball grants awarded this year , the committee also assisted with another start-up grant . USA Pickleball and Franklin Sports created the Youth Kickstarter Grant — Powered by Franklin Sports , which ended up benefiting an additional 89 youth programs across the country with a Franklin Sports equipment pack and USA Pickleball youth resources .
The USA Pickleball Grants Committee looks forward to assisting communities with introducing new locations to play and learn the sport of pickleball again in 2024 .
The USA Pickleball Grant Program continues to review applications on a rolling basis . If you know of a deserving group who could benefit from the grant funding , visit usapickleball . org / get-involved / grantprogram . •
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | MAGAZINE 51