The South Carolina Tennis Foundation offers grants to support programs that increase access to tennis for all, including underserved youth in South Carolina and individuals with physical and/or intellectual challenges.

• Organizations are eligible to apply for one-time grants of up to $3,000 to support programs serving underserved youth, as well as adaptive or wheelchair tennis programs for youth and adults, during the grant year.
• An Accountability Form  must be submitted within 30 days after the completion of the program. 

 

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year until budgeted funds are fully exhausted.

Specific Guidelines:

1. Grants may be awarded to CTAs, city and county Parks and Recreation departments, NJTL programs, JTT leagues, Special Olympics programs, schools, churches, civic clubs, and other community organizations to support underserved youth, diversity-focused, school-based, wheelchair, blind or visually impaired, and other adaptive tennis programs.
2. Programs must be designed to continue for at least one year after SCTF funding ends.
3. Programs must incorporate a pathway for interested participants to progress into other tennis programs.
4. The grant will not cover Head Instructor's salary over $30/hour or Assistant Instructors' salaries over $20/hour.
5. A budget must be submitted with the grant application. Budgets should include revenues from all sources, including participant fees, as well as expenditures, including salaries, stipends, court fees, equipment and supply costs, refreshments, prizes, and other amenities.  In-kind contributions should also be included. 
6. An Accountability Form must be submitted within 30 days after the completion of the program.
7. Organizations may apply for up to two grants per calendar year, provided the requests are for different categories. Each grant request requires a separate application.
8. Organizations may apply for grant funding in subsequent years as long as it is not for the exact same purpose as a grant that has already been received.

Evaluation Process:

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of overall program quality, the clarity and consistency of your explanations and budget, a demonstrated need for funding, the availability of other funding or in-kind support, your plans for continuity and stability, the number of participants the program will impact, the availability of a pathway for progression to other tennis programs or activities, your plans for program evaluation, and compatibility with the USTA mission and teaching methods. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the start of the proposed program.  

ALL Applicants must be Net Generation Safe Play Approved.

Guidance and consultation from SCTF is available on request in advance of application submission.

Contact Amy Franklin with any questions.

            Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year until budgeted funds are fully exhausted.

                            Budget Example

Notes:

1. All participant and dollar numbers are examples only.
2. Use your own numbers.
3. Income and expense totals should equal.
4. All numbers must be realistic, reachable and maintainable.
5. This example is for the following program:
   1. 40 children (10 who can’t afford to pay, 15 who can pay a little and 15 who can pay more)
   2. Operated 1 hour per day
   3. Five (5) days per week
   4. Four (4) weeks in duration

 

Income:

SCTF Grant (amount applied for)                                 $ 2,000.00 

Other Grants or Public Support                                    $ 200.00

Corporate Sponsors (4 @ $200)                                  $ 800.00

Individual Contributions                                                $ 400.00

Participation fees (10 children on scholarship @ $0)   $ 0

Participation Fees (15 children @ $10)                        $ 150.00

Participation Fees (15 children @ $20)                        $ 300.00

CTA/Program Contribution                                           $ 200.00

TOTAL INCOME                                                          $ 4,050.00

 

Expenses:

Promotion                                                                    $ 150.00

T-shirts (40 @ $5)                                                        $ 200.00

Equipment (rackets, balls and nets)                             $ 650.00

Head Instructor (1 x 40 hours x $30/hr.)                       $1200.00

Assistant instructors (4 x 20 hours x $20/hr.)               $1200.00

Snacks and refreshments                                             $ 150.00

Pizza Party and prizes                                                  $  250.00

Awards                                                                          $  200.00

Miscellaneous                                                               $  50.00

TOTAL EXPENSES                                                      $  4,050.00

 

List the value of in-kind donations separately below. In-kind donations may include equipment, snacks/food, volunteer hours, advertising/promotion, court time, etc. Basically, if your program receives donated tangible services or products that would normally cost money you should list it below as an in-kind donation. Listing in-kind donations helps show you may have more resources or value in your program than appear in your budget and also acts as a mark of credibility by showing other people or organizations support your program.