Grant Categories and Guidelines

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2021 GRANT CATEGORIES AND GUIDELINES

Please read this memo sent to the NJTL network, which communicates a number of important changes regarding the USTAF’s Star Levels criteria, annual NJTL enrollment, Charter Process, and other items.

In order to be in compliance with the USTA Foundation's NJTL Network enrollment requirements, and eligible for funding, the Executive Director along with any staff or volunteer whose activities involve regular contact or authority over a minor athlete participating in that NJTL's activities or programs, must fulfill and maintain throughout their time with the NJTL, the requirements of the USTA Safe Play Program. This includes completing annual athlete safeguarding training, acknowledgment of the USTA Safe Play Policy and reporting procedures, and a criminal background screen every year.

The Safe Play process can be completed at www.usta.com/safeplay. Please click the "Get Safe Play Approved" or "Check Your Status" buttons and log into your USTA account. If you are Safe Play approved, the system will display your three expiration dates. If you are not currently Safe Play approved, you will be prompted to complete the required steps.

Please note, any potential grant funding will not be provided until compliance with the USTA Safe Play Program is complete.

PROGRAM GRANTS

All enrolled NJTL chapters are eligible for funding.

Cycle 1: Application will open on April 5, 2021 and close on April 26th at 11:59 p.m. (EDT)

Cycle 2: Application will open in Summer 2021. More information to follow.

Grants range from $2,500 to $40,000.

Start-up grants to newly enrolled chapters will be available during Cycle 1 funding.

EXCELLENCE PROGRAM GRANTS

Individual Player Grants
Open to the entire network via a competitive nomination process. Amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000.

These grants are awarded annually, during the first quarter. The Individual player grant application is now closed.

Coaching Education Grants
Open to the entire network via a competitive nomination process. Amounts range from $1,000 - $2,500. Check back for open/close dates.

Excellence Team funding is now segmented between “Excellence at $25,000” and “Development at $15,000” based on criteria shared with the teams and decisions made in collaboration with Player Development.

If you are interested in learning more about these grants, please contact Sean at:
sean.holcomb-jones@usta.com.

OTHER GRANTS

USPTA Grants
Due to the COVID-19 impact on our network, the USPTA Fund, within the USTA Foundation, will offer grants up to $2,500 for support of certified coaches in NJTL chapters in early 2021. To be considered for a grant from the USPTA Fund, NJTL chapters must employ USPTA certified tennis coaches. More information will be announced within the USTA Foundation's newsletter.

*Subject to change annually

The USTA Foundation believes in giving back, in supporting programs that utilize tennis and education to build brighter futures and more vibrant communities. To date, we have awarded more than $47M in grants to hundreds of programs, benefitting thousands of youth throughout the country.

The USTA Foundation awards grants to programs that support underresourced youth through tennis and education programs designed to improve health, build character and strive for academic excellence. Priority is given to enrolled NJTL chapters that offer formal educational curricula, such as A.C.E., improved tennis delivery and implementation of USTA products.

Funding preference will be given to enrolled NJTL organizations that demonstrate alignment with USTA Foundation’s Youth and Organizational frameworks. To view the Youth Development Framework, click here.

Acceptance, Reporting and Evaluation

Reporting for all grants is required, and the USTAF may selectively audit a sample of grants awarded and ask for expense substantiation.

General Guidelines - Click here (See attached)

Should you have any questions regarding grants or eligibility, please contact foundation.grants@usta.com.