Regions are the lifeblood of the Sports Car Club of America®, but while each of SCCA’s 115 Regions are filled with dedicated members, there’s little that can be done without proper funding. To help Regions increase their charitable and educational outreach to the communities they serve, SCCA Foundation created the Region Development Grant to assist with the financial lift involved in qualifying projects.
Read on for the Grant’s details, but keep in mind that the Region Development Grant is available quarterly, with the next application deadline being Nov. 30. Regions missing the upcoming deadline may apply at the next deadline, which is Feb. 28.
Grant Criteria
The Region Development Grant program supplies Regions with up to $2,500 in assistance and 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. Generally speaking, applications for the purchase of equipment or facilities that are not dedicated to the charitable or educational program are unlikely to qualify.
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.
- The majority of project funding is coming 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 the cost of the project, the Region investment in the project, other contribution sources, and the amount needed from the Foundation.
Looking for examples of Region projects that received Grants? Read about some of the past Region Development Grant recipients.
How (And When) To Apply
Approved grant submissions made by the upcoming Nov. 30 deadline will be issued by Jan. 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.
