News

PHOENIX — USA Pickleball Serves, the charitable arm of USA Pickleball (USAP), announced that the ‘Play it Forward’ Grant Program is now open. This is the first monetary grant program offered by USA Pickleball Serves.

“USA Pickleball Serves ‘Play it Forward’ Grant was developed to support community organizations invested in creating more places to play in underserved communities and heavily populated player communities,” said Brenda Puga, USA Pickleball’s Director of Community Relations. “USA Pickleball Serves is committed to increasing court access and promoting the sport of pickleball throughout the country.”

Two community organizations will receive $50,000 to fund a pickleball court installation or conversion. Applications will be reviewed by the USA Pickleball Serves Grant Committee and announced on National Pickleball Day (Aug. 8). The organization must be applying for a specific pickleball location in the United States or its territories, have a physical office or presence in the local giving area, and must be aligned with one of USAP Serves’ core commitments.

To be considered for the grant, organizations must meet the following pre-qualifying requirements:

• The pickleball court(s) must be installed in a public facility.
• The pickleball court(s) must be permanent, dedicated court(s) for the sport of pickleball.
• The pickleball court(s) must be installed and open for play within 12 months of receiving funds.
• A project lead must work with a local USA Pickleball Ambassador or USA Pickleball Serves Committee Member for support and to provide updates.
• The pickleball court(s) must have permanent branding recognition for USA Pickleball Serves and host an unveiling event to include a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
  
  For a full list of grant qualifications, please see usapickleball.org/grants.

Important dates to note:

Tuesday, April 15 – Application Opens
Tuesday, June 3 – Application Closes
Friday, Aug. 8 (National Pickleball Day) – Grant Announcement

USA Pickleball Serves commitment focuses on supporting inclusive play, educational youth programming, and court enhancements. To learn more about USA Pickleball Serves, please visit usapickleball.org/serves.