The USA Triathlon Foundation today announced its first-ever grant program, offering up to $50,000 in funding for individuals, clubs, teams and organizations to support and promote the sport of triathlon in 2015.
Grants will be awarded based on applications to establish or develop programming and support related to at least one of the Foundation's three focus areas: providing support to youth, paratriathletes and/or U.S. Olympic hopefuls. Consideration will be given to applicants that open pathways to athletes who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.
Grant applications must be submitted by Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 and funds will be distributed in March. Each grant proposal is eligible to receive up to $5,000, and funds must be used in 2015. The application is available at usatriathlonfoundation.org (PDF).
"We are excited with the lightning-quick progress the Foundation has made in its first few months, and look forward to awarding funds to support programs that will help promote triathlon for youth, paratriathlon and Olympic hopefuls," said Jacqueline McCook, USA Triathlon Foundation President. "We want to thank our early donors for their support, and are eager to expand both fundraising and our grant awards in the years to come."
The USA Triathlon Foundation distinguishes itself in that 100 percent of donations and gifts received-to-date will go directly to grants and programming. In 2014, the Foundation contributed to the inaugural Gwen Jorgensen Scholarship to help support junior draft-legal triathletes and paratriathletes who value and strive for excellence within the sport.The USA Triathlon Foundation was created in 2014 by the USA Triathlon Board of Directors as a separate tax exempt 501(c)(3) entity. Under the leadership of its Trustees and Committee members, the Foundation serves as a means to create a healthier America through triathlon, and seeks to open up new pathways to the sport through the generosity of donors. USA Triathlon Foundation operates with the belief that every child should have the chance to participate, every paratriathlete should have the chance to compete, and every elite athlete should chase his or her Olympic dream. Donations to the USA Triathlon Foundation ensure America's youth are introduced to the benefits and fun of a multisport lifestyle, athletes with disabilities receive the training, support and gear to be able to participate and excel, and the best athletes have a pathway to the Olympic Games.
