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Event Development Program Grant

UNITED STATES MASTERS SWIMMING INC

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Recreation Grants
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Funding Amount

$500 - $3,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Event Development Program Grant

Funder: U.S. Masters Swimming

Program Overview:
USMS has created an event development program that provides resources and financial support to help start new events and grow existing events. USMS events provide a competitive outlet and motivational goal for adult swimmers, as well as opportunities for USMS clubs to build their swimming community with fun experiences and generate revenue for operations.

Geographic Scope: United States

Who Can Apply:

  • Clubs interested in hosting a meet, open water swim, or fun swimming event

  • Aquatics facilities interested in using their space and increasing revenue

  • Prior swimming events rebuilding or restarting since the pandemic

  • Event directors interested in growing a current event or starting a new one

    • Requirements:
    Grant applicants must have the capacity to host a 100+-person USMS-sanctioned pool meet or open water swim in the next calendar year with the intention of building the event in future years.

    Award Amounts:

  • Typical grant: $500–$1,000

  • Maximum grant award: $3,000 for event expenses in excess of revenue

  • Grant amount determined based on forecasted expenses, details of strategy, marketing resources necessary, need, etc.

  • Incentive grants available: USMS will match $0.50 of every dollar of net income up to the full grant award amount (e.g., $1,500 grant awarded to offset projected deficit, event realizes $2,000 net income, USMS awards $1,000 incentive grant)

    • Purpose:
    Financial support is designed to insure a club or event director against a loss from hosting an event, not as a revenue-generating source. It is also intended to encourage new event development by minimizing financial risk.

    Development Support Components Provided:

  • Event consulting

  • Meet directors guide

  • Facility engagement and negotiation

  • Pricing and registration support

  • Profit and loss management

  • Budgeting

  • Volunteer recruitment

  • Operational guidance and administrative advice

  • Suggestions for social elements and ancillary programming

    • Marketing and Programming Support:

  • Locally targeted digital ad campaign created by USMS

  • Consult with club leadership on local marketing program (e.g., word of mouth, facility, etc.)

  • Connect with LMSC representative(s) for additional exposure

  • Feature the event in USMS's event newsletter and/or social media

    • How to Apply

    How to Apply for Event Development Program Grant

    Application Process:
    1. Answer the Event Questionnaire
    2. Schedule a call with the event development team for more specifics
    3. Work with the event development team to build a plan sharing background

    Required Materials:

  • Completed Event Questionnaire

  • Event budget and planning details

  • Forecasted expenses

  • Strategy details

  • Facility and pricing information

  • Volunteer recruitment plan

    • Available Templates:

  • Grant agreement template

  • Budget template

    • Next Steps:

  • Clubs, facilities, or event directors interested in any or all components of the event development program are encouraged to schedule a call with the event department

  • Complete questionnaire available on the Event Development Program page

    • Note: Incentive grant opportunities must be agreed to in advance based on event details and must be used to support future event or club needs.

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    recreation

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