USA Pickleball Serves – Play It Forward Grant (2026)
$25,000 Grants for Community Pickleball Court Projects
The Play It Forward Grant, administered by USA Pickleball Serves, supports community organizations working to expand access to pickleball through new court construction or renovation projects. The program aims to grow the sport while increasing recreational opportunities for communities across the United States.
In 2026, two organizations will each receive $25,000 to support pickleball court installation or conversion projects at public facilities.
Organization: USA Pickleball Serves
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: United States
About the Funder
USA Pickleball is the official governing body for the sport of pickleball in the U.S. Through its charitable arm, USA Pickleball Serves, the organization invests in initiatives that expand access to courts, promote youth engagement, and encourage inclusive participation in the sport.
The Play It Forward Grant is designed to help communities create permanent pickleball courts that support recreation, health, and community connection.
What This Program Supports
The Play It Forward Grant funds projects that increase access to dedicated pickleball courts in communities.
Eligible projects include:
Pickleball Court Construction
- Building new permanent pickleball courts at public facilities
Court Conversion Projects
- Converting existing tennis or multi-use courts into dedicated pickleball courts
Community Programming
Projects should also demonstrate plans for programming that supports:
- Youth pickleball programming
- Community recreation opportunities
- Inclusive play and accessibility
- Long-term growth of the sport in the local community
All funded courts must be permanent, dedicated pickleball courts located at public facilities.
Funding Amounts
💰 Two grants of $25,000 each
Funding must support projects that can be completed and opened for public play within 12 months of receiving funds.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be a USA Pickleball member
- Applicant must represent a nonprofit organization, school, or government municipality
- The organization must have a physical presence in the local community
- The proposed project must demonstrate clear financial need
Projects must also align with one or more of USA Pickleball Serves’ core commitments:
- Court enhancements
- Youth programming
- Inclusive play
Pre-Qualifying Requirements
Eligible projects must meet the following requirements:
- Courts must be installed at a public facility
- Courts must be permanent and dedicated to pickleball
- Courts must be installed and open for play within 12 months of receiving the grant
- A project lead must work with a local USA Pickleball Ambassador or committee member
- Courts must include permanent USA Pickleball Serves branding recognition
- Organizations must host a ribbon-cutting ceremony or unveiling event
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated on several factors, including:
- Strength and clarity of the court development plan
- Evidence that funding will help complete the project within the required timeframe
- Availability of additional project resources or partners
- Commitment to long-term pickleball programming
- Community impact of the proposed courts
- Alignment with USA Pickleball Serves’ mission and core commitments
Application Timeline
📅 Application Opens: March 27, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: April 27, 2026
Two organizations will be selected to receive funding for their pickleball court projects.
Application Process
Eligible organizations must submit their application through the USA Pickleball Serves grant portal.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://usapickleball.org/grants/
Applicants should be prepared to outline their court construction or renovation project, funding needs, and plans for community programming.
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This grant opportunity is ideal for organizations that:
- Plan to build or convert pickleball courts in public spaces
- Want to expand recreational opportunities in their community
- Have strong local support and programming plans
- Can complete a court installation project within 12 months
The Play It Forward Grant helps communities create permanent recreational infrastructure while promoting the rapid growth of pickleball nationwide.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive national grant
Grant Amount: $25,000
Best Suited For: Nonprofits, schools, and municipalities developing public pickleball courts
New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.
