USA Pickleball Serves Opens Grow the Game Grant Program for Community Organizations and Schools
USA Pickleball Serves, the charitable arm of USA Pickleball, is making a big impact on communities nationwide with its Grow the Game grant program. This initiative is focused on investing in supporting community organizations and schools to grow the game of pickleball, a sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years.
The Grow the Game grant program has two rounds of open applications. The first round started on November 14 and will close on December 12, with grant recipients being announced on January 16, 2025. The second round will open on July 8 and close on August 5, with recipients being announced on September 9.
Brenda Puga, USA Pickleball director of community relations, stated, “USA Pickleball Serves ‘Grow the Game’ grant was developed to encourage and support community organizations and schools to offer pickleball programs. Encouraging community members and youth to pick up a paddle and benefit from instructional resources and engaging games developed by USA Pickleball is a step forward in our mission to grow the game.”
To be considered for a grant, applicants must be a USA Pickleball member registered at one of the three membership levels. The community organization or school must be located in the United States or its territories with a physical presence in the local giving area. A designated space for play must be a public facility with the application demonstrating a clear need for equipment to begin or maintain a pickleball program.
Schools and organizations may apply for essential equipment bundles that are beginning or maintaining pickleball programs and increasing exposure to the sport. Applicants have the option to apply for one of several equipment bundles, including paddles and balls. The bundles range from the Dink Bundle, which includes 24 wooden paddles, 100 pickleballs, and one portable net, to the Drive Bundle, which includes 72 wooden paddles, 200 pickleballs, and three portable nets. There is even a Campus Edition Bundle available for colleges and universities.
With the Grow the Game grant program, USA Pickleball Serves is making it easier for communities to introduce pickleball to their residents and provide them with the necessary equipment to get started. This initiative is sure to help grow the sport of pickleball and make it more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
