USA Fencing

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) -- Through a partnership with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, USA Fencing is pleased to offer two parafencing development grants totaling $30,000 to USA Fencing clubs looking to grow the sport.

The parafencing development grants will allow two USA Fencing clubs to create a sustainable parafencing program with multiple parafencing athletes. The top submission will receive $20,000 while the runner-up submission will receive $10,000.

Applications should emphasize inclusivity and creativity with the selected applicant using a portion of the grant to attend one of the IWAS World Cups in 2021 as well as providing community partner information and potential adaptive events the club will use to demo the sport in their area.

To be eligible, clubs must be members of USA Fencing. The grant may be used to start a parafencing program or enhance a club’s current program.

The deadline to apply is May 31, 2021 with the winner being announced at the USA Fencing National Championships in Philadelphia.

To submit an application for the parafencing development grant, the following information is required:

1. Proposal:
   
   a. A brief history of the organization, its missions, principal programs and accomplishments
   
   b. Financial commitment from the club outside of the grant
   
   c. Sustainability plan (5-10 years)
   
   d. Criteria for measuring success
   
   e. Expected contributions to the population served
   
   f. Need for the project
   
   g. Purpose of the request
2. Applicants should attach the following:
   
   a. IRS designation letter showing that they are a 501c3 organization
   
   b. Detailed budget of how the $20,000 will be spent, including revenue projections
   
   c. Name and contact of the coach who will be leading the parafencing program
   
   d. Letters of endorsement from at least two organizations tht will be partners with for this program, i.e. school districts, physical therapy programs, rehab centers, VA hospitals, adaptive sports organizations
   
   e. Additional organizations that can serve as potential partners
   
   f. Events in the club's area you will look to partner with/demo at
   
   g. Facility layout to include space for the parafencing program
   
   h. ADA compliance/alternatives

Funds will be distributed monthly via a reimbursement system based off proof of purchase.

For questions or to submit an application, please email USA Fencing Senior Manager of Culture, Sports Performance and Marketing Brandon Dyett at b.dyett@usafencing.org.