ABOUT: In May of 2021, the golf industry collaborated to introduce a new Grassroots Grant Program (GGP) designed to increase participation among those who are underrepresented in the sport. The Grassroots Grants program is facilitated through the American Golf Industry Coalition, a division of the World Golf Foundation. To date, the program has awarded 318 grants totaling $2.5M to 183 unique organizations since May of 2021.
PURPOSE & FUNDING PRIORITIES: This Grassroots Grant Program supports charitable organizations that are dedicated to increasing golf participation among those who are underrepresented in the sport, such as: Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, women, members of the LBGTQI+ community, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
- New in 2025: We do not provide grants to organizations: (a) for event sponsorships, (b) brick-and-mortar requests, (c) that currently receive significant support from leading golf organizations, or (d) have 2024 revenues of more than $250,000.
ELIGIBILITY: GGP funding will support tax-exempt organizations, preferably those defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or government municipalities.
The GGP will not provide funding to reimburse organizations for program expenses which have been incurred prior to an application’s review by the designated GGP committee. Eligibility for future funding support is dependent on the organization’s ability to successfully implement the proposed program and proper utilization of funds as directed.
The GGP expects all applicants to demonstrate plans for eventual self-sustainability through local support, and strongly recommends that successive funding requests comprise a decreasing percentage of the overall program budget.
FUNDING GUIDELINES: The GGP will not provide 100% of the cost to operate any program. In addition:
- Applicants are expected to submit detailed information on the other sources of revenue that will be used to support the program.
- Applicants must demonstrate a sustainable business model for operations, with partnerships and resources coming from individuals, community, and private funders.
- Applicants must agree to share program information, best practices, pictures, and testimonies to the GGP on a timely basis.
- Applicants are required to submit a final report at the end of the funding period. Contact grassrootsgrants@worldgolffoundation.org for the proper form and instructions for completion.
USE OF GGP FUNDS: GGP funds may be used for the following:
- Golf instruction
- Course access and/or practice range facility access
- Training/curriculum design
- Golf Equipment
- Technology
- Transportation provided for participants to attend program
- Snacks
- Clothing
- Insurance
- Fees based on sliding scale (free or reduced) per combined family income (W-2)
- Other needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Detailed narrative must accompany application.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Completed GGP Application
- GGP Budget Forms (Revenues, Expenses)
- Budget Narrative describing in detail all revenues, expenses, and in-kind contributions listed on the GGP Budget Forms
- Copy of your organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Determination Letter
- List of your organization’s Board of Directors or other Governing Body
- The two most recent years’ financial statements for your organization (if applicable), including a list of assets and liabilities (balance sheet), and a list of operating revenues and expenses.
Phase VI - Grassroots Grants Program (2025)
ABOUT: In May of 2021, the golf industry collaborated to introduce a new Grassroots Grant Program (GGP) designed to increase participation among those who are underrepresented in the sport. The Grassroots Grants program is facilitated through the American Golf Industry Coalition, a division of the World Golf Foundation. To date, the program has awarded 318 grants totaling $2.5M to 183 unique organizations since May of 2021.
PURPOSE & FUNDING PRIORITIES: This Grassroots Grant Program supports charitable organizations that are dedicated to increasing golf participation among those who are underrepresented in the sport, such as: Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, women, members of the LBGTQI+ community, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
- New in 2025: We do not provide grants to organizations: (a) for event sponsorships, (b) brick-and-mortar requests, (c) that currently receive significant support from leading golf organizations, or (d) have 2024 revenues of more than $250,000.
ELIGIBILITY: GGP funding will support tax-exempt organizations, preferably those defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or government municipalities.
The GGP will not provide funding to reimburse organizations for program expenses which have been incurred prior to an application’s review by the designated GGP committee. Eligibility for future funding support is dependent on the organization’s ability to successfully implement the proposed program and proper utilization of funds as directed.
The GGP expects all applicants to demonstrate plans for eventual self-sustainability through local support, and strongly recommends that successive funding requests comprise a decreasing percentage of the overall program budget.
FUNDING GUIDELINES: The GGP will not provide 100% of the cost to operate any program. In addition:
- Applicants are expected to submit detailed information on the other sources of revenue that will be used to support the program.
- Applicants must demonstrate a sustainable business model for operations, with partnerships and resources coming from individuals, community, and private funders.
- Applicants must agree to share program information, best practices, pictures, and testimonies to the GGP on a timely basis.
- Applicants are required to submit a final report at the end of the funding period. Contact grassrootsgrants@worldgolffoundation.org for the proper form and instructions for completion.
USE OF GGP FUNDS: GGP funds may be used for the following:
- Golf instruction
- Course access and/or practice range facility access
- Training/curriculum design
- Golf Equipment
- Technology
- Transportation provided for participants to attend program
- Snacks
- Clothing
- Insurance
- Fees based on sliding scale (free or reduced) per combined family income (W-2)
- Other needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Detailed narrative must accompany application.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Completed GGP Application
- GGP Budget Forms (Revenues, Expenses)
- Budget Narrative describing in detail all revenues, expenses, and in-kind contributions listed on the GGP Budget Forms
- Copy of your organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Determination Letter
- List of your organization’s Board of Directors or other Governing Body
- The two most recent years’ financial statements for your organization (if applicable), including a list of assets and liabilities (balance sheet), and a list of operating revenues and expenses.