COLUMBUS, Ind. — AEI Youth Sports Fund grant applications for financial assistance for Bartholomew County youth to participate in athletic and fitness programs are available on a quarterly basis at The Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.
Youth, parents, clubs, teams and others are eligible to apply for grants to support youth ages 18 and under with financial need who reside in Bartholomew County. Grants will include assistance for, but not limited to, lessons, clinics, travel equipment, program fees, dues, and more. Grants will be considered based on financial barriers to participation. Financial guidelines will be defined in accordance with the federal Department of Education’s free and reduced lunch program eligibility.
Since the fund was established in 2019, 60 individuals received about $60,000 in assistance. In addition, 16 nonprofit organizations have received nearly $30,000 to remove financial barriers and allow more youth to participated.
Grants to these agencies have allowed an additional 636 youth to join local sports.
“We are thrilled with the impact that this fund has had already by providing nearly 700 children with the opportunity to participate in athletic activities, ranging from introductory classes for preschoolers to club sports for potential college-bound athletes,” said Angie May, president of Analytical Engineering Inc. and one of the fund’s founders. “We realize that the cost of many of these spots is prohibitive for young people and families with limited finances.”
Individuals or organizations may apply for funding. Grants to individuals will range from $50 to $2,000. Grants to nonprofits will not exceed $5,000. Grants will be made quarterly while funds are available.
For the second quarter, application deadline is June 30 with grants awarded in mid-July.
For more information, or to apply online, visit heritagefundbc.org.
