USTA New England – Community Tennis Grants (2026)
Grant Funding to Grow Tennis and Inspire Healthy Communities Across New England
USTA New England provides grant funding to support initiatives that invest in the New England tennis community. Through its Community Tennis Grants, USTA New England supports nonprofit-led projects that promote the growth of tennis, expand access, strengthen community programming, and inspire healthy communities throughout the region.
Organization: USTA New England
Support Type: Community tennis grants
Geographic Focus: New England
Deadline: August 31, 2026
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About the Funder
USTA New England works to promote the growth of tennis and inspire healthy communities across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Through its grant programs, USTA New England helps community organizations expand tennis access, build local partnerships, support inclusive programming, and strengthen the region’s tennis ecosystem.
The Community Tennis Grants program includes two grant categories: Game Changer Grants and Community Champions Grants.
What This Program Supports
USTA New England supports initiatives that invest in the New England tennis community and align with its mission to promote tennis and inspire healthy communities.
Grant requests should align with USTA New England’s strategic pillars:
Engagement
Projects that help grow participation in tennis and racquet sports through community programs, schools, public facilities, partnerships, and player retention efforts.
Examples may include:
Inclusive programming for public facilities
Revitalizing tennis in schools
Middle school or high school tennis programming
Player retention initiatives
Strategic partnerships
Engagement with complementary racquet sports
People & Organizational Capacity Development
Projects that strengthen the people, partnerships, and organizations needed to grow tennis.
Examples may include:
Coach recruitment
Coach training and professional development
Coach mentorship and networking
Volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement
Partnership development
Organizational capacity building
Access
Projects that expand inclusive and equitable access to tennis and racquet sports.
Examples may include:
Adaptive tennis programs
Wheelchair tennis
ADA accessibility efforts
Grassroots tennis initiatives
Tennis advocacy
Programs that reduce barriers to participation
Eligible Support Types
Community tennis programming
Special projects that grow tennis participation
School-based or youth tennis initiatives
Adaptive and inclusive tennis programs
Coach and volunteer development
Organizational capacity-building projects
Programs serving New England communities
Eligibility & Preferences
Eligible applicants must:
Be a nonprofit organization or apply in partnership with a nonprofit
Align with USTA New England’s mission to promote the growth of tennis and inspire healthy communities
Align with USTA New England’s strategic pillars
Be a USTA organizational member
Impact the New England community
Have all prior grant accountability forms submitted before applying for new funding
For programs involving participants age 18 or younger, staff and volunteers connected to the program must be registered Net Generation providers and Safe Play Approved.
Game Changer Grant applicants may not have received Game Changer Grant funding within the last two years.
Community Champions Grant applicants must have all prior grant accountability forms submitted and the lead organization must have an annual operating budget of $1 million or less.
Ineligible Requests
USTA New England’s Community Tennis Grants are intended to support nonprofit-led community tennis initiatives. Tennis facilities seeking facility-specific funding should review USTA Tennis Venue Services instead.
Based on USTA New England’s Game Changer Grant criteria, funding is not intended for ongoing program expenses such as court time, coach salaries, or routine program-related costs. Court maintenance and facility projects are also not supported through the Game Changer Grant process.
Funding Amounts
Funding amounts vary by grant category and request type. Game Changer Grants have previously offered funding of up to $20,000 for high-impact special projects. Applicants should review the current grant criteria and application materials for the most up-to-date funding guidance.
Timeline & Review
📅 Current Application Cycle: July 1 – August 31, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
📅 Cycle Focus: Fall and winter programming
📅 Review: USTA New England Grants Committee and representatives from State Associations review applications collaboratively
Application / Request Process
Applicants should review the Community Tennis Grants page and select the appropriate grant category before applying. USTA New England provides separate criteria and application links for Game Changer Grants and Community Champions Grants.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:
How the project grows tennis in New England
How the work aligns with USTA New England’s strategic pillars
Who will be served
How the project expands access, engagement, or organizational capacity
How the project will create community impact
Whether the applicant has completed any required prior grant accountability forms
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.usta.com/en/home/coach-organize/tennis-support/grants-assistance/newengland/community-spending-rule-grants.html#tab=tournaments
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for New England nonprofits using tennis to advance youth development, recreation, access, inclusion, health, and community engagement. Organizations working with schools, public facilities, adaptive athletes, underrepresented communities, or community-based tennis programs may be especially well aligned.
Because USTA New England’s grants are designed to grow tennis and strengthen healthy communities, applicants should clearly explain both the tennis impact and the broader community benefit.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive grant cycle
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Cycle Focus: Fall and winter programming
Best Suited For: New England nonprofits and nonprofit partnerships growing tennis participation, access, engagement, and community impact
Application Note: Review the Game Changer Grant and Community Champions Grant criteria before selecting the appropriate application pathway
