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Since 1997, the USGA has been awarding grants through its "For the Good of the Game" Grants Initiative in an effort to make golf more affordable and accessible. Through this effort, the USGA supports organizations that use the game and its values as a vehicle to improve the quality of life for individuals and for society in general. This 10-year, 50-million dollar initiative has focused on positively impacting economically disadvantaged youth and individuals with disabilities through instructional programming and golf facility construction projects. Additionally, the USGA Foundation supports the introduction of youth to the game and to the golf industry through caddying and other work-based programs.
The funding philosophies and guidelines currently utilized by the USGA Foundation Grants Committee in considering grant requests are set forth below. These philosophies and guidelines were formed in part because the USGA Foundation receives requests for a greater number of dollars than it can award. While some flexibility in applying these philosophies and guidelines may be appropriate in certain circumstances, any applicant whose request is inconsistent with the contents of this document is required to speak with a staff member of the USGA Foundation before submitting a grant application for consideration. If, after discussion with a staff member, an applicant elects to proceed with the submission of a grant application that retains any inconsistencies, the applicant must specifically address those inconsistencies within the request and provide an explanation as to why the USGA Grants Committee should consider the application despite these inconsistencies.
Basic funding philosophies/guidelines include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
- All grant recipients must be tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or government entities such as schools or municipalities. Applications will be accepted from organizations that have applied for such status but grant monies (should an organization receive a grant) will not be released until tax-exempt status has been received.
- When formulating your request and considering your program's future budget projections, it is important to note that the USGA will not fund the entire budget of a program. The USGA specifically expects applicants to have a feasible plan for future fiscal sustainability. These plans typically include support from individuals, local organizations, other foundations, fundraisers, and the donation of in-kind services as well as many other creative ideas.
- The USGA will not fund a multi-year request for a first-time grant applicant. Either during or after the first cycle of successful programming, the applicant can submit a request for subsequent programming, including a multi-year request through the regular application process.
- The USGA strongly recommends that successive grant requests comprise a decreasing percentage of the overall budget except in certain situations where there is significant growth.
- The USGA expects that the applicant has attempted to find the best possible prices for requested line items through comparative shopping and negotiations.
- The USGA places great emphasis on providing affordable golf course access to program participants both during scheduled programming and after programming has concluded. If your program or project does not include affordable course access for participants, your request will be viewed much less favorably.
The USGA will consider funding requests for the following items provided the applicant is committed to the goals (as represented in the General Introduction) of the "For the Good of the Game" Grants Initiative and its target population(s): :
- Golf course and practice range access
- Golf Instruction
- Golf equipment, including adaptive golf equipment for individuals with disabilities
- Transportation
- Construction costs for alternative, beginner-friendly golf courses and golf facilities in areas where there are obstacles to affordable access to the game
Typically, the USGA Foundation will not fund requests for the following items:
- Clothing
- Tournament entry fees
- Travel expenses and other costs associated with competitive events
- Academic scholarships
- Research studies not related to USGA Grants Initiative goals
- Vehicle purchase
- Construction of buildings
- Computer and video equipment
- Construction costs for projects that are primarily cosmetic in nature, including the conversion of sand greens
- Swing analysis equipment
- Awards and trophies
- Food and beverage
- Donations for fundraising tournaments
Please note that the USGA does not currently offer grant applications online. You may contact one of the Fellows assigned to your area or call us at (719) 471-4810.
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