George Waters Grant

George Waters Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Professional Golfers Association Of America
Last Updated: February 13, 2026

Summary

The George Waters Grant Program, established by the Minnesota Section PGA, aims to support PGA Professionals and related golf programs focusing on player development, especially for juniors and athletes with disabilities. This initiative honors George Waters, a dedicated PGA member, and helps fulfill his vision of growing the game. Grants cover teaching costs, infrastructure, and special assistance, encouraging wider participation in golf across Minnesota and North Dakota.

Overview

About PGA of America The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. About Minnesota Section PGA The mission of the Minnesota PGA is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. The Minnesota PGA will accomplish this mission by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the public. In so doing, the Minnesota PGA will elevate the standards of the golf professional’s vocation, enhance the economic well-being of the individual member, stimulate interest in the game of golf, and promote the overall vitality of the game. The Minnesota PGA geographic region includes the entire states of Minnesota and North Dakota; South Dakota (fewer areas surrounding cities of Rapid City, Vermillion, and Yankton); and a portion of Western Wisconsin that includes St. Croix County and Superior, Wisconsin. George Waters Grant The George Waters Memorial Grant Program is established to help worthy PGA Professionals and other golf related Player Development or Golf in School programs further their goals in player development with an emphasis on junior golf, disabled golfers or Special Olympics athletes. The Program was developed from the gracious support of PGA Professional George Waters. Waters, owner of George’s Driving Range and a PGA Member for more than 50 years, enjoyed teaching the game of golf to all interested including juniors. The Minnesota Section PGA Foundation was a benefactor from Mr. Waters’ estate when he passed away in 2009. To honor George Waters and his love for teaching this great game of golf, the Foundation has established a grant program to help PGA Professionals fulfill George’s dream of bringing more individuals into this game. Funding Limits Teaching Grants 75% of instruction budget Payment will be made directly to the Organization or Minnesota Section PGA Member who will be in charge of the Program and paying the PGA Golf instructors. The maximum rate to be paid is $50/hour for a PGA Members or Apprentices.Infrastructure Grants:A one time matching grant up to $__ for Player Development programs to cover infrastructure cost. These funds can be used for golf equipment, green fees for participants or assistance with transportation. Training equipment (such as video), capital items and apparel are not included.Special Assistance GrantsGrants to fund other expenses related to a golf instruction program. Criteria for approval will be determined on a case-by-case basis.Multi-Year FundingApplicants can re-apply for Grant for one additional year. A maximum of 75% of previous year funded amount could be approved

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An application may be submitted by a 501 (c) 3 OrganizationOrganization using Minnesota Section PGA members only to do instruction. Minnesota Section PGA Members may also submit an application. All programs eligible for grants must be in existence for a minimum of one year to be eligible for a grant.

Ineligibility

facility construction and/or enhancementsadministrative costs of a program or project nor its indirect costsindividual high school and collegiate teamsprivate individuals  endowments.

Application Details

GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT
Grant Application & Forms
MINNESOTA SECTION
PGA
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT
GRANT PROGRAM SUMMARY
Mission: The Minnesota Section PGA is dedicated to providing individuals, with an
emphasis on juniors, an opportunity to experience the game of golf and learn
vital life lessons. The Minnesota Section PGA achieves this mission through
programs which enrich the lives of those involved and which provide educational,
employment and scholarship opportunities. The George Waters Memorial Grant
Program is established to help worthy PGA Professionals and other golf related Player
Development or Golf in School programs further their goals in player development with
an emphasis on junior golf, disabled golfers or Special Olympics athletes. The Program
was developed from the gracious support of PGA Professional George Waters.
Waters, owner of George’s Driving Range and a PGA Member for more than 50 years,
enjoyed teaching the game of golf to all interested including juniors. The Minnesota
Section PGA Foundation was a benefactor from Mr. Waters’ estate when he passed
away in 2009. To honor George Waters and his love for teaching this great game of
golf, the Foundation has established a grant program to help PGA Professionals fulfill
George’s dream of bringing more individuals into this game.
Process: Those interested in being considered for the George Waters Memorial Grant
need to submit the grant application to the Minnesota Section PGA. An
application may be submitted by a 501 (c) 3 Organization, or Organization using
Minnesota Section PGA members only to do instruction. Minnesota Section PGA
Members may also submit an application. All programs eligible for grants must
be in existence for a minimum of one year to be eligible for a grant.
Funding Limits: Teaching Grants:
PGA Support 75% of instruction budget
Payment will be made directly to the Organization or Minnesota Section PGA
Member who will be in charge of the Program and paying the PGA Golf
instructors. The maximum rate to be paid is $50/hour for a PGA Members or
Apprentices.
Infrastructure Grants:
A one time matching grant up to $________ for Player Development programs
to cover infrastructure cost. These funds can be used for golf equipment,
green fees for participants or assistance with transportation. Training
equipment (such as video), capital items and apparel are not included.
Special Assistance Grants:
Grants to fund other expenses related to a golf instruction program.
Criteria for approval will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
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Multi-Year Funding: Applicants can re-apply for Grant for one additional year. A maximum of 75%
of previous year funded amount could be approved
Non-Funded Projects: In general, the Minnesota Section PGA will not fund facility construction and/or
enhancements, administrative costs of a program or project, nor its indirect costs,
individual high school and collegiate teams, private individuals and endowments.
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT INFORMATION GUIDELINES
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Minnesota Section PGA grant committee will review all George Waters Memorial Grant Applications. The review
committee will determine the benefits of each grant request and will determine which programs are to receive funding. The
committee’s decisions shall be final. In determining the merits and priority of each application, grants will be awarded to:

Golf developmental programs directed toward:

Juniors

Disabled golfers or military veterans programs

Special Olympics athletes

● Programs that support the PGA of America diversity initiatives to increase the participation of juniors including; Girls,
African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and other protected groups.

Programs that include life skill awareness for Juniors.

Programs should include additional funding from other community partners, foundations, individuals or corporations. The
Minnesota Section PGA should not be the only source of funds as we want the program to continue after our 1 or 2 years
of financial assistance ends.
REQUIREMENTS
• All grant applications (not the one page summary) need the signature of the PGA Member affiliated to program.
SUBMISSION/APPROVAL/FUNDING CYCLE
Proposals will be reviewed once a year.
Grant Application
If you submit a grant application after one cycle has closed, your application will be considered during the next cycle. A
list of awarded organizations is posted on the Section website (www.minnesotapga.com) on the specified award dates.
All grants must be POSTMARKED by the deadline dates listed below.
April 1 - Deadline
April 30 - Grants Awarded
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT INFORMATION GUIDELINES
RATIO SUGGESTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION: 1 PGA PROFESSIONAL/ # OF STUDENTS
STUDENTS
New Beginner 8
Beginner 10
Intermediate 12
Volunteers are not to be included in determining student/PGA Professional ratios. They are to act in a support role to the golf
professional in the capacity of:

student supervision

general support

basic set-up for classes/breakdown for classes

Ratios for disabled students varies from class to class and is up to the discretion of the program director. Also, quality golf in
school programs may feature only one PGA Professional teaching a class of 30-40 kids with support from trained physical
education teachers and volunteers.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Instruction – 4 hours minimum and additionally at least one on-course experience
• Strongly encourage follow-up programs: organized fun events on the golf course
• Only one grant per applicant/facility will be approved
CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTAL OF GRANT APPLICATION
(Be sure these are all included in your package and completely filled out)
___1 Grant Summary
___2 Grant Application
___3 Daily Program Schedule For Golf Instruction that must be signed by Executive Director of Section.
___4 Detailed Budget (for 3 years) of the program covered by this grant detailing a funding plan to cover that
Budget. Provide prior year profit and loss statement and attach your organizations most recent
Financial statement
___5 Submit the curriculum for your program
___6 Follow-up Report (signed)
___7 List of your Board of Directors
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT SUMMARY
(Please attach this summary to the front of your application)
First Request Second Request Third Request
Program Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________________
City:__________________________________ State:_____________________ Zip:_______________
(All written communications from the Minnesota Section PGA will be sent to the above address)
Program Managed by: Organization Individual PGA Professional Member #:______________________
Contact Person:__________________________________ E-Mail Address:___________________________________
Phone Number:________________________________ Fax Number: ______________________________________
Organization website address ________________________________________________________________________
How many people will this project serve? __________
Is there a charge to the Participant? No Yes, $ Amount:___________
Target Group ___________________________________________________________________________________
Facility where instruction will be held: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________ State________________________________________
The attached application details a request for:
Teaching Grant: $_____________________________
Infrastructure Grant: $_____________________________
Special Assistance: $_____________________________
Minnesota Section PGA USE ONLY
Application Received: __________________ Follow-Up Report Due: __________________
Teaching: $_________________ Denied _____ Instruction Materials: at a cost price of:
Infrastructure: $_________________ Denied _____ $_______________ Denied _____
Special Assistance: $_________________ Denied _____
TOTAL GRANT: $ _________________________
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT APPLICATION
Active PGA Members and/or the PGA Sections must submit two complete copies of
the application by the due dates. (Please staple do not bind).
IS THIS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, IRS STATUS 501 (c) 3?________________
PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR 501 (C) 3 IRS LETTER
FEDERAL TAX ID# ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ (9 digits)
ATTACH A LIST OF YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHEN WAS THIS PROGRAM/ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED?___________________
BRIEF BACKGROUND OF YOUR ORGANIZATION
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF YOUR ORGANIZATION
DESCRIBE THIS PROGRAM
DESCRIBE THE STUDENTS IN YOUR PROGRAM:
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT APPLICATION
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL YOUR PROGRAM SERVE?
HOW MANY STUDENTS PER CLASS?
HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION?
HOW MANY SESSIONS IN A PROGRAM?
DEFINE THE PROGRAMS SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
HOW IS THE PROGRAM GROWING THE GAME OF GOLF:
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO RETAIN THESE STUDENTS AFTER YOUR
PROGRAM IS OVER? WHAT KIND OF INCENTIVES ARE YOU OFFERING THEM?
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT APPLICATION
WHAT DATE WILL THIS PROGRAM START?_______________________________________
WHAT DATE WILL THIS PROGRAM END?__________________________________________
WHAT IS YOUR STUDENT TEACHER RATIO? _____________________________________
ARE YOU PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION? _______________________________________
IF SO, HOW? ________________________________________________________________
LIST THE FACILITY WHERE INSTRUCTION WILL BE HELD ______________________
WHO ARE YOUR PGA PROFESSIONALS THAT WILL BE TEACHING THIS PROGRAM?
NAME: MEMBER ID#
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
DO YOU CHARGE THE STUDENTS FOR THIS PROGRAM?_______
IF SO, HOW MUCH?___________________
LIST OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE OR WILL BE PROVIDING FUNDING AND
OTHER RESOURCES. (INCLUDE ALSO IN BUDGET). Please put phone number or e-
mail addresses so amounts can be verified by the PGA.
NAME APPROVED? AMOUNT/RESOURCES
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
LIST 3 REFERENCES WITH CONTACT INFORMATION
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT APPLICATION
AMOUNT OF FUNDS REQUESTED: TEACHING GRANT _____________________
INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT _____________
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE GRANT _________
IF YOU ARE REQUESTING AN INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PLEASE BE SPECIFIC ON
WHAT IT IS TO BE USED FOR AND HOW MUCH FOR EACH ITEM.
ITEM AMOUNT
IF YOU ARE REQUESTING A SPECIAL ASSISTANCE GRANT WHAT IS IT AND WHAT
EXACTLY IS IT GOING TO BE USED FOR?
COURSE ACCESS:
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM PAY FOR GREEN FEES FOR EACH PARTICIPANT
DURING PROGRAM HOURS? _______________
DO THESE FEES REPRESENT A DISCOUNT AND IF SO, HOW MUCH?______________
WILL PARTICIPANTS HAVE GOLF COURSE ACCESS OUTSIDE OF
PROGRAMMING?______________
IF YES, HOW MUCH DO YOUR PARTICIPANTS PAY?_____________________________
WHAT IS THE REGULAR JUNIOR RATE AT THE GOLF COURSE?__________________
HOW OFTEN CAN THEY PLAY?_______________________________________________
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GEORGE WATERS MEMORIAL GRANT APPLICATION
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR GOLF INSTRUCTION
This form is required for programs requesting TEACHING GRANTS. It should be completed and submitted with the application. If your application is approved, the
Minnesota Section PGA (if requested) will assist with scheduling the needed instructors for your program. A daily program schedule is to be filled out in full for
EACH program you are applying for.
Program: Contact:
Facility
Name: Telephone:
Address:
Please Copy this form as needed.
Total Expected number Number of Instructors Instruction for:
Date Day of the Week Start Time End Time Hours of Participants Needed (Juniors, women, etc)
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
SCHEDULE FOR WEEK _____________________ OF ___________________________ WEEKS
SAME SCHEDULE CAN BE USED FOR WEEK: _____________________ TO ________________________________
PROPOSAL AND PROGRAM SCHEDULE REVIEWED BY SECTION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
_____________________________________________________________________________________ DATE: _____________________
RATIO SUGGESTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION: 1 PGA PROFESSIONAL/ # OF STUDENTS
JUNIORS YOUNG ADULTS
New Beginner 8 10
Beginner 10 12
Intermediate 12 14
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DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
WHAT GEOGRAPHIC AREA DOES YOUR PROGRAM SERVE? PLEASE INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT
WHERE YOUR PARTICIPANTS RESIDE
HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE PROJECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR PROGRAM?
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THAT TOTAL DO YOU ESTIMATE TO BE MALES______ AND FEMALES______?
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THAT TOTAL DO YOU ESTIMATE WILL RETURN 1 YEAR______ AND 2 YEARS______
AFTER THE PROGRAM?
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR BEST PERCENTAGE ESTIMATES FOR THE PARTICIPANTS EXPECTED TO BE IN YOUR
PROGRAM. (PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL, PERTINENT DOCUMENTATION, IF AVAILABLE.)
AGE RANGE
Under the age of 6
6 to 9
10 to 13
14 to 18
Adult ___________
100%
Socio-economic background
Household income less than $25,000
Household income $25,000-$50,000
Household income $50,001-$75,000
Household income $75,001 and ___________
above 100%
Ethnicity
African-American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian/Pacific Islander
Caucasian
Hispanic ____________
Other 100%
Golf Background
No previous exposure to golf
Beginners
Intermediate
Advanced ____________
100%
IF APPLICABLE, HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS DID YOU SERVE IN THE YEAR PRIOR TO YOUR PROPOSED
GRANT PERIOD?
WHAT PERCENTAGE WERE MALES______ AND FEMALES______?
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PARTICIPANTS FROM LAST YEAR DO YOU ANTICIPATE RETURNING THIS
YEAR:______
HOW ARE NEW PARTICIPANTS RECRUITED TO THE PROGRAM? PLEASE OUTLINE, IN DETAIL, YOUR
RECRUITING METHODS BEYOND “WORD-OF-MOUTH” AND FROM WHERE SPECIFICALLY YOU WILL
RECRUIT THEM.
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FOLLOW-UP REPORT AGREEMENT
All programs receiving a George Waters Memorial Grant are required to provide a report that will
summarize the program outcome and will detail how the funds/materials were used.
Beneficiary Organization: ________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Federal Tax ID # ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ (9 digits)
Is this a charitable organization, IRS Status 501 (C) 3? Yes No
Your organization submitted a proposal to the Minnesota Section PGA Requesting:
Teaching Grant: $_____________________________
Infrastructure Grant: $_____________________________
Special Assistance Grant: $_____________________________
Should your grant request be approved, your signature below confirms that:
 Your organization agrees to use the granted funds/materials exclusively for the designated
purpose(s) as detailed in your proposal.
 You agree to forward to the Minnesota Section PGA a Follow-Up report of the program along
with a financial accounting (including receipts) detailing how the funds/materials were actually
utilized. The Follow-Up report is due with in 30 days of program completion or six (6) months of
the receipt of the grant. The report should detail the program's activities, successes/failures, the
number of participants (ages, gender, and minorities participating) and the names and PGA ID
number of the instructors, how many hours each PGA Professional worked and their rate of pay.
Also, if available, copies of promotional materials used prior to the event, press coverage before or
after the event, pictures, media clippings, etc. If funds have not been used within this six-month
period, another report is required at the end of the next six-month period. A time sheet for each
PGA instructor must be filled out in full each week and submitted in the follow-up report.
Your organization agrees to return to the Minnesota Section PGA all funds/materials not
Used within twelve (12) months of receipt of the grant.
___________________________________ ____________________________ ___________
Program Director/PGA Member (Please Print) Signature Date
_ __________________________________ ____________________________ ___________
Beneficiary Organization President/CEO (Please Print) Signature Date
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3 year budget
BUDGET
INFORMATION
REVENUES ACTUAL PROJECTED
Year Before Year 1 of Grant Year 2 Year 3
Fiscal Year (Mo/Yr-Mo-Yr)
INCOME C/P C/P C/P*
Fundraising Events
Membership fees
Program fees
Investment
Cash Contributions
From Individuals
Corporations
Grants
PGA Grant P P P
-
-
-
Other Revenues
-
-
-
-
-
TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES K K K*
Program Expenses
Construction
Golf Course Access
Drv. Range Access
Golf Instruction
Instructors Wages
Teaching Materials
Equipment
Tournaments
Awards
-
-
Administrative:
Salaries & Wages
Employee Benefits
Office Expenses:
Office Rent/Mortg
Office Supplies
Other Expenses
-
-
-
-
-
-
TOTAL EXPENSES
Revenues Minus
Expenses
* C = Committed Funds & P = Pending funds which the program may receive
K = In-Kind Expense (goods or services donated to the program)
Please include your organization’s most recent financial statement.
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MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:
George Waters Grant Information
Send Application and enclosures to the following address:
George Waters Memorial Grant Program
C/o The Minnesota Section PGA
12800 Bunker Prairie Road
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Questions - Please contact:
Minnesota Section PGA
Jon Tollette, COO
(763)754-0820
Email at: jtollette@pgahq.com
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BUDGET HELP
Guidelines for filling out our PGA Budget form
General Information
This budget should be limited to golf programming, including what you are asking the PGA to fund. If you are
part of a larger organization you need to break down the budget to reflect the golf program only.
Programs must have been in operation for at least one year. We do not fund start-up programs. Please enter dates
in Fiscal year as well as three years of projections. Carefully consider your program’s future budget when
providing projections and provide the most accurate information possible.
Denote whether the revenue is committed C (cast in hand or committed contributions), P (funds you think
you’ll receive), or *K (In-Kind Expenses the value of goods or services donated to your program.)
Revenue/Income
From fundraising events – income raised thru golf tournaments, fundraisers, silent auctions, etc.
Internal Support – funds that are allocated from your organization.
Program fees – fee charged (if any) to students to participate in your program.
Investment – revenues from interest bearing accounts
Cash contributions – a combined sum of cash donations from individuals
Foundation Grants – funding from other foundations or 501(c)(3)’s
Corporations – please list these contributions individually. If more than one please list in Other Revenues.
Grants
George Waters Memorial Grant – list in “Year 1 of Grant” as a pending revenue. Since our grants may be up to
two years, calculate 25% less for the second year: 1st year $10,000, 2nd year $7500. In this section, also list any
other grants from foundations or governmental sources. Remember to designate committed or pending.
Please list your In-Kind (*K) revenues under Other Revenues. Donated goods or services and the value of
discounts off standard prices can be included in this section as well.
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GUIDELINES
Expenses
Golf Course Access – the amount of money the program spends on green fees to allow students to play on the
course.
Golf Range Access – the amount of money the program spends on range balls.
Golf Instruction – hourly wage for the PGA Professionals and/or PGA Apprentices.
Teaching Materials – instructional supplies that are used during the program.
Equipment – amount of money spent on golf bags, golf clubs and golf balls.
Administrative
Salaries and Wages – payment of individuals who provide administrative services specifically for this program.
Employee Benefits – Expenses on benefits for administrative salaries and wages related to this program.
Office Expenses
Office Rent/Mortgage – expenses for a space used to operate the program
Office Supplies – paper, postage, insurance, etc.
Other Expenses – may include, but are not limited to, clothing, food, beverage, advertising, printing.
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