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 annual initiative focuses on positively impacting young people (minorities, girls, economically disadvantaged, and others with limited access to the game of golf) and individuals with disabilities through instructional programming and golf facility construction projects, as well as caddie and other work-based programs.



Funding Philosophies

The funding philosophies and guidelines currently utilized by the USGA Grants Committee in reviewing grant requests are set forth below. These philosophies and guidelines were formed in part because the USGA 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 Grants Office 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 contains variations from USGA funding philosophies, 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:

1. 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.
2. 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. Typically, the USGA expects the applicant organization to contribute a percentage of the project’s expenses with their own funds. Further, the USGA expects applicants to have a feasible plan for fiscal sustainability and an exit strategy that outlines how the program will continue without USGA funding in subsequent years. 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.
3. 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 may submit a request for subsequent programming, including a multi-year request, through the regular application process.
4. The USGA strongly recommends that successive grant requests comprise a decreasing percentage of the overall budget.
5. 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 is concluded. If your program or project does not include a significant experience for the participant in terms of golf instruction and does not provide affordable course access for participants, your request will be viewed much less favorably.


Funding Guidelines

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 Program and its target population(s):

• Golf course access and practice range access
• Golf Instruction
• Golf equipment, including adaptive golf equipment for individuals with disabilities
• Transportation provided for participants to attend programming
• Certain construction costs for alternative, beginner-friendly golf courses and golf facilities in areas where there are obstacles to affordable access to the game; e.g., the construction of tees, greens, and practice areas.

• Clothing
• Tournament entry fees; awards and trophies
• Travel expenses and other costs associated with competitive events
• Academic scholarships
• Research studies not directly related to USGA Grants Initiative goals
• Vehicle purchase
• Construction of buildings
• Construction costs for projects that are primarily cosmetic in nature
• Computer and video equipment; swing analysis equipment
• Food and beverage
• Donations for fundraising tournaments
• Administrative costs, including salaries
• Indirect costs (overhead expenses such as postage, fax and phone charges, insurance, etc.)
• Expenses incurred prior to the Grants Committee considering a request

Application Evaluation Criteria

All eligible projects will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

Impact
Degree to which the project reflects an understanding of the USGA’s "For the Good of the Game" Grants Initiative to make golf more affordable and accessible. Evidence that the project is likely to have a lasting and significant impact and outcome that will benefit program participants is looked upon favorably in the grants review process.

Population Served
Degree to which the project uses the game and its values as a vehicle to improve the quality of life for young people (minorities, girls, economically disadvantaged, and others with limited access to golf) and for individuals with disabilities. Collaborations with other organizations serving and expanding the reach of the target population are looked upon favorably in the grants review process.

Project Design
Evidence that the organization applying for grant funds has identified an audience, knows their needs, and has designed this project to fit those needs. Specifically, the grants committee favors applications that have a detailed plan in place. Further, the extent to which the project’s plan has clearly stated goals and objectives, has an effective program structure and a reasonable timeline for accomplishments, and has the potential for success, strengthens the application.

In the preparation of a construction grant application, special consideration should be paid to:

• a detailed and well-documented design for construction
• bids including cost estimates for the project and the construction timeframe
• maintenance and operational expenses once construction is complete
• a well-thought out plan for the availability/accessibility for junior programming and/or programming for people with disabilities

In the preparation of a program grant application, special consideration should be paid to the individual participant's experience, including but not limited to:

• a detailed plan for golf instruction; i.e.,
• who is going to teach and what will they be paid
• where is the instruction going to be held and what programming will be available
• how many hours per day, days per week, weeks per year are involved
• what is the total number of hours of instruction for the average participant
• is there sufficient instruction and course access during programming
• a detailed plan for course access outside of and following programming
• the recruitment and retention of program participants
• how participants will get to the program site(s) and if transportation going to be an obstacle in their attendance
• non-golf components to the program; i.e., community service, academic instruction, work programs, values inherent in the game, etc.
• the use of volunteers and mentors in the program structure

Outcomes Measurement
Degree to which the applicant can identify and track positive outcomes that result from participation in this project. These outcomes may be directly related to the improvement in academics, self-esteem, life skills, or other social benefits, or may pertain to golf skills.

Leadership
Degree to which the organization’s mission and history demonstrates a commitment to the USGA’s target population and has the leadership; i.e., a local champion, in place to be successful in this project. Degree to which the project has a strong program director, one who is capable of establishing, implementing, and evaluating the goals and objectives of the project. Extent to which there is a governing board of directors or other entity, ensuring the accountability of the project and any grant funds awarded. The application is strengthened when there is evidence that the leadership is capable of carrying out the project’s activities to a successful conclusion, and further, when the leadership can demonstrate successes in similar projects, specifically in terms of the management of resources (money, facilities, and personnel). The inclusion of references who can speak directly to these issues is helpful in this part of the grants review process.

Exit Strategy/Sustainability
Degree to which the project can outline a feasible plan for outside fundraising in order to be self-sufficient in the future. The extent to which the organization itself demonstrates financial stability and to which the project is financially sound is preferred in the consideration of all grant applications.

Budget
Degree to which the project demonstrates an accurate and complete budget. This criterion specifically applies to the budget forms, budget narrative, and the itemization indicating how USGA funds would be spent; please read and follow the instructions provided. Further, the project should clearly demonstrate the appropriateness and efficiency of budget revenues and expenses to complete the activities as outlined in the application. The Grants Committee would like to see commitment to the project by contributions from the applicant organization, collaborating organizations, and other public or private sources.