Organization: USTA
Opportunity Description: Grant Description and Purpose:
The Community Champions Grant (CCG) provides up to $15,000 to support tennis
programs and providers across New England. Designed to drive growth and expand
initiatives, this grant aligns with USTA New England’s mission to promote the growth of
tennis and inspire healthy communities throughout New England. Funding may be used
for both programmatic and operational support, but only organizations with an
annual operating budget of $1 million or less are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Requirements:
Application is aligned with USTA New England’s mission to promote the
growth of tennis and inspire healthy communities throughout New England.
Application is closely aligned with USTA New England’s Strategic Pillars. (See
more below).
Organizations seeking support must be a USTA organizational member (visit
USTA membership) for more information – membership is free).
All staff and volunteers working in connection with the program or initiative must
be Safe Play Approved if working with youth.
The project or initiative must impact the New England community.
Applying entity must be an established 501(c)(3). The entity applying is permitted
to work in partnership with a for-profit organization. If the applying entity is
applying in partnership with a for-profit entity, a signed Memorandum of
Agreement between partners is required in order to receive funding.
Applying entity must have all prior grant accountability forms submitted before
being considered for a new grant request.
The lead organization must have an annual operating budget of $1M or less.
USTA New England’s Strategic Pillars 2024-2026:
The grant request must also align with one of the following strategic pillars:
1. Engagement
Examples:
■ Successful and inclusive programming for public facilities
■ Revitalizing tennis in schools
■ Introducing students to team play through middle and high school
tennis programming
■ Player retention initiatives
■ Establishing strategic partnerships
■ Engaging with other complimentary racquet sports
2. People & Organizational Capacity Development
Examples:
■ Coach recruitment
■ Coaches training and professional development and support
■ Coach mentorship and networking
■ Volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement
■ Partnership development
■ Organizational capacity building
3. Access
Examples:
■ ADA compliance, ramps, wheelchair programs, adaptive tennis
(USTANE Grants Committee will support application with Tennis Venue
Services)
■ Tennis advocacy initiatives
■ Innovative, grassroots tennis and other racquet sports
*Note: At this time, the Community Champions Grant does not support court
maintenance and facilities projects, however USTA New England is happy to support
providers through the USTA Tennis Venue Services application process. For assistance,
please contact Mavi Sanchez-Skakle (mavi.sanchez-skakle@newengland.usta.com).
Deadline: 9/30/2025
Geographic Scope: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Funding Ranges: up to $15,000
Apply here: Link to Application