One thing SCCA® members never lack are ideas. From how to construct a faster race car to fitting seemingly too many competition groups into one weekend, the Club is built upon a foundation of speed and efficiency. Oftentimes, though, the best ideas meet seemingly insurmountable stumbling blocks that can only be resolved through funding. To that, the SCCA Foundation offers Region Development Grants throughout the year, assisting SCCA Regions in realizing growth opportunities that might otherwise be missed. In fact, the latest application deadline is nearing.
The Region Development Grant program, which supplies Regions with up to $2,500 in assistance, is designed to provide supplemental funding by the SCCA Foundation for qualified programs. An eligible Region program must have an educational or charitable purpose consistent with the mission and purpose of the SCCA.
For example, a Region may need funding for an exhibit space at an auto show to educate the public about teen safe driving and SCCA activities. In addition to or as an alternative to promoting the Tire Rack Street Survival program, there might be educational flyers providing safe driving tips, suggestions for ways parents might help their teens to learn to drive safely, and opportunities to build driving skills at local SCCA events.
In evaluating a grant, the selection committee will give the most attention and focus to projects which meet the following criteria:
- Educational or charitable purpose.
- Open to or benefiting the general public and not just Club members.
- It is innovative or demonstrates need.
- It is backed by a detailed project management plan that includes a description of the request, a project schedule, and specific project management.
- It is supported in part by funding from other sources.
Region Development Grants are not intended to fully fund a Region project. Therefore, Regions should be prepared to indicate in their application a dollar amount for Region investment in the project.
Approved grant submissions made by the upcoming May 31 deadline will be issued by July 31. Those Regions not ready to apply just yet should keep in mind that the SCCA Foundation Region Development Grant will be issued quarterly, with the following application deadlines:
- Feb. 28
- May 31
- Aug. 31
- Nov. 30
Help Support the Foundation
The Region Development Grant program is only possible thanks to generous donations made by SCCA members, Regions, and Divisions. The available number and size of the grants will vary based on fundraising each year. As such, the Foundation asks that Regions and Divisions keep the Foundation in mind as a possible recipient for future charitable events, and that individuals consider supplemental donations in support of the grant program.
