Olympic Club Foundation Creates Athletes Fund

Ellen Tsay

The Olympic Club Foundation Board of Directors has created an "Athletes Fund" as part of the Foundation's grant program. The goal of the program is to foster the development of amateur athletes from the Bay Area who have the potential to achieve national or international recognition in their sport. The fund will provide support to outstanding young athletes between the ages of 10 and 18 who are in need of financial assistance to develop their athletic skills through coaching, training and competition in recognized athletic events associated with their age and skill level. Eligibility is open to all young athletes in the San Francisco Bay Area including, on an equal basis, both members and non-members of the Olympic Club.  Primary residency and school must be in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, or Sonoma counties.

Eligible sports include tennis, golf, swimming, cycling, handball, lacrosse, marksmanship, track, rugby, soccer, softball, squash, triathlon, water polo and skiing.  Applications are submitted to the Foundation and subsequently reviewed by the sport's commissioner or committee before a grant decision is made by the Foundation.

The Foundation will set aside a certain amount of funds from its grants budget for this program at the beginning of each calendar year. Application materials are now available from the Foundation. The goal is to provide funding for 3 or 4 young athletes in the first year, and increase that number in subsequent years.

The program will operate as follows:
The target age group will consist of boys and girls from 10 to 18 years old. Exceptions may be made from time to time. For example, the age limit may be waived for USA Olympics competition.

Athletes must be competing under amateur (not professional) status and must have sectional and/or national ranking in their respective age group, or equivalent credentials for team competition.

For individuals, the maximum grant size will be $5,000 per applicant per year. Support for team competition will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Foundation funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis for expenses associated with coaching and/or training as well as participation in local, state, national and international competitions. Foundation funds will provide up to a 50% match for eligible expenditures. Funds will be provided after receipts are submitted for previously approved eligible expenditures.

Applicant and/or family must display financial need and explain why funds are necessary. A budget must be submitted with the application, including specific anticipated expenditures. Reimbursement categories include the following:

1. Coaching and/or training expenses.
2. Travel expenses to/from competitive events.
3. Entry fees.
4. Hotel/lodging and meals during competition.
5. Appropriate athletic clothing and/or uniforms. For Olympic Club members only, reimbursement may be requested for OC uniforms and/or clothing with OC logo, either individual or team.
6. Other expenses deemed appropriate by the Foundation.

For young athletes currently participating in the Olympic Club's junior merit programs (golf and tennis), the Athletes Fund will complement these programs by providing funds for competition outside the Bay Area.

Athletes Fund Application (PDF)