Update: (November 8, 2024)–Since USA Ultimate launched the Youth Growth Grant Program, it has awarded $30,000 in funding to six local disc organizations. The application window has been reopened through December 15th with USA Ultimate seeking to award an additional $10,000 in grants in January of 2025. A third opportunity to apply for grant dollars is scheduled for next summer to help fund programs for the 2025-26 school year.
Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 17, 2024)—USA Ultimate announced today a new youth-focused financial aid program designed to support local communities and help stimulate and accelerate growth of ultimate at the grassroots level.
Funded by the Ultimate Foundation, the Youth Growth Grant program provides assistance to local disc organizations with an emphasis on reducing barriers of entry and increasing participation in the sport.
USA Ultimate is aiming to award up to six grants throughout an initial application window that runs through August 26th (followed by second wave of grants later this fall).
To be considered for a Youth Growth Grant, which can include an investment of up to $5,000 per grant, candidates must complete the online application. As part of this process, organizations will be asked to describe the growth opportunity they envision for their local community, how they plan on utilizing and maximizing grant dollars, and the specific support and resources they need to implement and execute their plan.
The parameters used to evaluate the grant applications are intentionally broad, allowing for local communities to request funding for programs that best fit their specific and individual needs. For example, these grants can be used to construct new teams, develop new playing opportunities, purchase equipment, provide educational resources or support youth with direct financial aid.
“We are excited to collaborate with the Ultimate Foundation to bolster and support local communities’ efforts in expanding youth Ultimate,” commented USA Ultimate Director of Youth Dan Raabe. “This grant initiative – a component of USA Ultimate’s strategic plan – empowers local communities to identify and seize opportunities while providing them with the necessary resources to maximize their impact. By identifying and leveraging these opportunities, we aim to significantly enhance youth ultimate across the U.S.”
To Apply
To Apply, applicants must complete two forms:
- Budget Worksheet (Include a link to your budget in the application below.)
- Online Application (Preview here.)
Timelines
| First Window (2024) | Second Window (2024) | Third Window (2025) | |
| Application Period | July 17 – Aug. 26 | Nov. 8 – Dec.15 | June 1 – July 15 |
| Application Review | Aug. 26 – Sept. 18 | Dec. 15 – Jan. 15 | July 15 – Aug. 15 |
| Grants Awarded | Sept. 25 | Jan. 22 | Aug. 22 |
| Acceptance Deadline | Oct. 2 | Jan. 29 | Aug. 29 |
Eligibility Requirements
Organizational Requirements
- Must offer a consistent and structured opportunity to play ultimate for youth ages 6 through 18.
- Delivers programming through experienced and committed leadership
- Compliance with USA Ultimate’s policies and best practices
- Alignment of organizational goals with USA Ultimate
- Demonstrates an are of need and/or opportunity to create growth in youth ultimate and a plan to utilize grant dollars to capitalize on the opportunity
- Located in and serves youth in the United States
Applicant Requirements
- Must submit a grant application by the published deadlines
- Application must be submitted with the consent and knowledge of the referenced 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, along with an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Must provide all requested data and output required by USA Ultimate and/or the Ultimate Foundation
- Must participate in post-project evaluation
- Must be 18+ years of age
Preferences
- Positive impact on girls’ playing opportunities or historically underrepresented groups (racial, socioeconomic, adaptive, geographic, etc.)
- Organizations whose actions show a high level of partnership and engagement with USA Ultimate
- Plans for program sustainability after the grant has expired
- Connection to higher level, strategic objectives
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than $5,000? Yes, $5,000 is more of a rough estimate for the upper limit of a grant. However, the expected impact of the grant should be proportional to the amount awarded by USA Ultimate.
Can an individual apply? Yes, but they must be in communication with their local disc organization or other 501(c)(3) nonprofit. USA Ultimate believes this will significantly increase the chances that the grant will be successful.