Make Golf Your Thing Grant Program

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas: Increasing golf participation among underrepresented populations in golf, including:

• Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous communities
• Women
• LGBTQI+ individuals
• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities

Eligibility: Organizations or programs dedicated to increasing golf participation among underrepresented populations in the sport

Program History:

• Formally launched: May 2021
• Funding to date (as of May 2023): 237 grants to 137 unique organizations totaling more than $1.8 million
• Latest round (May 2023): 82 grants totaling $750,000 to 82 grassroots organizations
• Latest round (June 2024): 81 organizations selected across the U.S. to receive funding

Background:

• Industry-wide movement to accelerate golf's evolution and strengthen inclusion
• Organized into three strategic focus areas: Make Golf Your Game (participants), Make Golf Your Career (industry employees), and Make Golf Your Business (industry suppliers)
• Grant program administered by the American Golf Industry Coalition
• Funded by industry partners committed to making the sport more welcoming and inclusive

Application Process

1. Review eligibility and program guidelines on makegolfyourthing.org
2. Complete application form with required information
3. Submit during the application period (varies by funding round)

Selection Criteria:

• Population served
• Leadership quality
• Programming offered
• Growth potential
• Sustainability

Review Process:

• Applications reviewed by a team of volunteers with extensive experience in expanding grassroots golf organizations
• Competitive selection process based on defined criteria