The USTA Wheelchair Tennis department is thankful for your decision to apply for a 2019 grant. We have decided to revamp the application process in order to accomplish the following goals:
1. Make it easier to apply.
2. Give clear directions on what is expected in the application.
3. Provide a scoring rubric upfront so that you know how decisions are made.
In order to apply, simply fill out all the fields below. We want to know how your program will help bring new players to the sport and/or keep newer players. Grant funds may be used for:
-Paying tennis professionals to help run clinics
-Court fees
-Basic equipment
-Marketing your program
-Costs associated with running multiple social/one day tournaments in Tennislink
We discourage applications that intend to use funds to travel to tournaments, those that seek to pay for people to get training or certification, those that want to purchase multiple tennis wheelchairs, and applications that are geared to running one tournament.
If awarded a grant, you must agree to the following:
1. Actively seek out new players.
2. Fill out reporting surveys in a timely manner. Respond promptly to phone calls from staff or USTA Wheelchair Tennis Committee Members.
3. Host a one day tournament/social (more details will be provided by staff if you are awarded a grant)
4. Grow the sport.
To help you with the submission, below is a scoring rubric we will use.
Topic
1
2
3
4
Criteria
Does not meet the criteria
Slightly meets the criteria
Meets the criteria
Exceeds the criteria
Professionalism
Very unprofessional
Unprofessional
Professional
Extremely professional
Need
The program does not need a grant and has received a grant in the recent past
There is some need
There is a justified need
There is a definite need and has not received a grant in the past
Assessment
No clear assessment piece
The assessment piece is no thorough
Assessment is established and viable
Extremely thorough assessment is in place.
Program
Not sustainable and shows no evidence of growing wheelchair tennis
Lacks sustainability but could achieve with mentoring
Sustainable
Sustainable and will clearly grow wheelchair tennis
Grassroots
Not a clear plan to attract new players
Open to new players but the it is clear that the priority remains on current players