USFA Equipment Subsidy Grant

[Jeff Harman]

Anybody ever apply for this grant and if so, what happened? Any tips?

[neevel]

I don't know anyone personally who's applied for or recieved one, but I do know that they're not for all that much money: $500 is what I recall. That'll buy you maybe 5 dry beginners' sets, or get you an Eigertek box + bungee wiring system. So don't expect that you're going to be able to fully outfit a club with one. In fact, I strongly suspect that they'd want some evidence of independent viability in order to award one (i.e., "We've got a growing group established, but need some help getting out first electric strip" rather than "I'd like to get a club started but I don't have any money).

-Dave

[Gajuith]

where can the information for this grant be found and/or obtained?

[Mergs]

I've tried to apply for it twice in the past. Was nigh on impossible to get the information or any response out of the USFA rep for the program (at the time). Finally gave up. From neevel's response, it sounds like it may not be worth the trouble.

[Jeff Harman]

Dave, that's exactly my situation, group looking for our first electric strip, So the $500.00 will cover almost half of it (if we get lucky...) That's worth the trouble of writing out a letter. I was just wondering if anyone had any idea how much typically gets budgeted to this program and if there's a chance in Sheol of actually getting anything from them.
Gajuith, I found a link to USFA snooping around on this website. It's a simple enough procedure to apply for especially if you have/know someone with grant writing skills...

[neevel]

Jeff--

Sound's like you'd be a good candidate then. They publish who gets development grants in the USFA Newsletter. The last list I saw, there were a slew of clubs that got membership/tournament fee remissions, and something like 5-6 who got equipment grants (no data on how many applied).

-Dave

[HilandDoug]

Several years ago (almost 10), one of the community colleges here (Oakland) applied for and was granted funds to purchase a bunch of start up equipment. It's definately worth the time.

[Gajuith]

I am active with the Physics research group here and they write all kinds of government grants. I think I will see if they can write me up something. Do you know where on the site that the grant info can be found?

[Chris]

Originally posted by neevel:
... $500 is what I recall. That'll buy you maybe 5 dry beginners' sets, or get you an Eigertek box + bungee wiring system. So don't expect that you're going to be able to fully outfit a club with one...

-Dave

Well, that's why they call it a 'subsidy grant'; not a 'start-up grant'.

$500.00 could be a great help to a club that is a going concern, but wants to get some kid-sized jackets/gloves, etc. to help get a youth program rolling.

[This message has been edited by Chris (edited 04-20-2001).]

[millebournes]

The grant application form is on the USFA website in either forms, documents or misc. the web site was down when i checked earlier this evening so i don't remember exactly which section of the website it was on.

From the instructions it looks like they will subsidize $500.00 of a $1000.00 of your club's purchase if your club is selected.

Good Luck!

Meg