Programs Awarded Grants by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf
The USGA Alliance Grants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year. Awards are given to programs which are inclusive in nature. This means participants with disabilities in the program doing the same things as participant without disabilities. Not all applications are funded, and rarely are requests funded fully. Awards range from $2,000 to $20,000, but it is important to note that grant awards are based on the budget submitted and there are no limits and no amount too small. Please look at the below documents to learn more about the types of programs that are funded and at what level.
2012 National Alliance for Accessible Golf-USGA Grants
Coming Soon!
2011 National Alliance for Accessible Golf-USGA Grants
The Childrens Course
Gladstone, Oregon
Contact: Cathy Porter
503-722-153
thefirstteegreaterportland.org/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp |
GAIN Adaptive and Inclusive Golf Camp.
The camp consists of both golf activities at our course and inclusion activities to different venues. In our previous camp we took the participants to a miniature golf and arcade and a local business where they assemble golf clubs. Our camp was designed so that the participant learns the game along with a friend, parent or sibling, so that when the camp is completed they can play together. We encourage our camp participants to join one of our mainstream classes. In addition, we encourage them to come out and play golf at our course after the camp by offering to provide an instructor to join them for a round of golf. This helps to further increase their level of comfort when playing the course. We have also provided free individual lessons for participants and their mentors. |
$6,000 |
Marty Turcios Therapeutic Golf
Martinez, California
Contact: Marty Turcios
925-957-9441
therapeuticgolfclinic.com |
This program seeks to integrate the students into society by allowing them to interact independently with golf course personnel and navigate the obstacles of getting range balls, asking for transportation, and other tasks related to playing the game that able-bodied people take for granted. We are always on hand if their early attempts at interaction fail, but we believe in a separation between facilitated learning and independent activity, while the facilitated learning is always on hand. |
$2,500 |
N. Ohio Hemophilia Foundation
Independence, Ohio
Contact: Randi Clites
216-834-0051
nohf.org |
The goal of this program is to enhance the quality of life for people with genetic bleeding disorders and their families, through advocacy, education, research and other services. Another goal is to introduce a safe sport that the youth can build confidence in learning. Also to increase self esteem and provide social interaction with peers with the medical conditions and to encourage outdoor exercise. |
$2,830 |
Via Quest Foundation
Dublin, Ohio
Contact: Derek Kinzer
614-526-2384
ViaQuestFoundation.org |
Golf & Life Skills Program — Developmentally disabled citizens are often denied opportunities to engage in what would be considered "public recreational or social activities." Exposure to the game of golf not only enriches the lives of these special people, the game is well-suited to teach valuable lessons in life. Therefore, this Golf & Life Skills Program directly reflects our Mission and Vision. We fully expect the youth who enroll in and complete this program to not only learn about the game of golf, but to demonstrate improvement in at least three of the seven critical "life skills" as measured by the Thinking Errors Score sheet. |
$12,000 |
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Dallas, Texas
Contact: Stephanie Brigger
214-559-8374
tsrhc.org |
The Learn to Golf program gives hospital patients with physical disabilities a hands-on introduction to the game of golf. The program provides the tools and instruction needed for patients to participate in and reap the rehabilitative benefits of the game. This is done by offering Y, day learn to Golf Clinics around the state, providing patients who don't have equipment with a starter set of clubs, offering up to $250 in scholarship funds for lessons helping the patient connect with a local golf instructor or community junior golf program for ongoing involvement, and annually providing a one day seminar called Tee Up for Teaching for golf instructors and allied health care professionals so they may learn more about working with golfers who have a disability, need adapted equipment as well as inclusion. |
$15,000 |
Children's Golf Foundation
The First Tee of Palm Beaches
West Palm Beach, FL
Contact: Carl Mistrella
561-842-0066
thefirstteepalmbeaches.org |
The purpose of this program is to use golf as the vehicle through which people can accomplish their dreams, thrive socially, excel academically and athletically and become productive members of society with integrity, strong family values and a commitment to their community. We currently teach 2 classes per week for students with disabilities and 2 classes for adult military veterans that have vision disabilities. This funding will allow us to continue these programs, add a third class for students and bring cutting edge therapy to paralyzed golfers. |
$16,500 |
TFT of Tri-Valley
Pleasanton, CA
Contact: Dan McKegney
925-462-7201
thefirstteetrivalley.org |
This program will develop outreach programs, to partner with other youth serving organizations and organizations that serve individuals with disabilities and other underserved groups. Through our newest outreach program, Development Through Golf, we will partner with Special Olympics Northern California, Tri-Valley R.E.A.C.H. and the Easter Seal's Kaleidoscope After-School program. Approximately 70 special needs individuals served by these three groups will participate in our upcoming special needs golf program and be invited to weekly golf meetings held between March and October.
|
$3,000 |
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Lake Forest, Illinois
Contact: Cindy Housner
847-283-0973
glasa.org |
The goal of this program is to
a. To provide transportation to GLASA's golf program so that those individuals who have a physical disability can get to the driving range and golf course to learn and enjoy the game of golf.
b. To provide golf instruction and play opportunities to the injured military.
The program impact will be the social, emotional and physical benefits derived from learning the game of golf. The impact will also be the participant's ability to seek out playing golf independently, whether that is at a GLASA golf program, or at their community golf course. For many of the participants, this is their first time playing golf and for some their first time playing a sport. For GLASA's returning golfers, the program will provide advanced instruction for the golfer to acquire the confidence and skills to pursue the sport on a more independent and advanced level. This will lead to the individuals increased self-esteem and recognition by one's peers. |
$3,228 |
Fore Hope, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio
Contact: Mindy Derr
614-784-1111
forehope.org |
The proposed goal for this grant application is specific to assistance for golf course access, instruction and transportation. By using golf as a means of recreational therapy, golf provides our clients with the opportunity to enhance their overall quality of life. Fore Hope participants learn golf skills that parallel their social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs. Fore Hope's staff of golf professionals, recreation therapist and volunteers have improved the lives of hundreds throughout our twenty two years of existence. Ultimately, Fore Hope participants are better prepared for community participation after becoming involved in our therapeutic golf program. With a talent for recreational therapy services, and the growing community need for recreation, Fore Hope believes there are many individuals we have yet to serve. Fore Hope continues to strive and reach each individual's own personal needs. Through Fore Hope's therapeutic process, we can help further engage one in his / her community while also enhancing each individual's overall quality of life. |
$19,550 |
Walton Foundation for Independence
Augusta, GA
Contact: Alice Salley
706-826-5809
wrh.org |
The Adaptive Golf program at Walton Foundation exists to bring persons with physical challenges closer to independence and to a meaningful life with family, friends, and communities. Another main objective is to raise awareness of the benefit of sports and leisure programs for those with acquired disabilities like spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke impairment, blindness and more. The program consists of Adaptive Golf Clinics, Adaptive Golf Player cards, The Adaptive Golf Demonstration, and the Adaptive Golf Challenge. These programs provide the opportunity for people with disabilities to either get back into the game of golf or to learn golf for the first time. These opportunities increase the quality of life for participants, allow family members to be directly involved with their loved ones in a recreational setting, bring awareness to local golf professionals to the needs and abilities of adaptive players, and raise awareness in the community for people with disabilities. |
$5,868 |
Special Olympics New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
Contact: Edward A. Ucon
505-792-3939
sonm.org |
This grant application was not funded, since it is a Special Olympics Program that falls under our policy statements due to USGA Funding of the International Special Olympics Program. However, the Alliance Grants Committee felt that the request to provide golf equipment for the program merited funding. The funded amount is specifically for the purchase of golf clubs for participants identified in their funding request. |
$4,000 |
Catholic Charities — Arch Diocese of NY
New York, NY
Contact: Beatriz Diaz Taveras
646-794-2438
CatholicCharitiesNY.org |
This is the continuation of the program funded in 2010 (see above) The program is designed to replicate and enhance the success of the 2011 season. We expect that participants will not only learn the essentials of golf, but will also develop a deeper appreciation for the values of inclusion, self-respect, respect for others, sportsmanship and other positive life skills while developing patience, focus, discipline and self-confidence. |
$10,571 |
Rise Adventures, Inc.
Irving, Texas
Contact: Paul Gray
469-762-5075
Riseadventures.org |
RISE Golf. Active involvement in RISE programs improves community living skills, increases independence and reduces the need for extended inpatient hospitalization; Involvement in RISE activities positively impacts emotional recovery from illness or injury and, in turn, enhances compliance with medical treatment. Participation also fosters improved mobility and range of motion, decreased loss of function, and increased rates of healing as well as improved appetite and strength. This award will support the purchase of accessible golf equipment. |
$7,500 |
Global Accessibility Initiative, Penn State University
State College, PA
Contact: Tammy B Smith
814-867-1756
hhdev.psu.edu/rptm/outreach/Global-Accessibility.html |
Penn State's Global Accessibility Initiative, the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and the Salute Military Golf Association have partnered to develop and deliver an Accessible Golf certificate program. The purpose of the program is to train golf professionals, and allied health professionals, on how to better include people with disabilities in golf instruction and play. The goal is to enhance opportunities for ALL people to play golf by teaching strategies for creating welcoming and inclusive environments, providing a working understanding of various disabilities as related to golf, introducing available adaptive golf equipment, and adaptive techniques for golf instruction. The core belief is that golf provides a therapeutic medium that improves the physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of participating individuals and that, through participation, possible secondary complications related to disability (e.g., social isolation, depression, substance abuse and suicide) can be minimized. |
$6,000 |
Special Olympics Arizona,Inc.
Phoenix, AZ
Contact: Miguel Quezada
520-207-1691
SpecialOlympicsArizona.org |
Special Olympics Arizona is seeking an important expansion of its Unified Golf program by establishing a new school-based program in Phoenix and in Tucson. Two, inner-city high school districts have agreed to develop Unified Golf programs in partnership with SOAZ: Phoenix Union High School District (10 high schools) and Tucson Unified School District (8 high schools.) The inclusive golf program at each school will be a partnership between the school's athletic department, the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and Special Olympics Arizona. |
$15,000 |
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association
Dekalb, Illinois
Contact: Susan Dolaz Zeeh
815-758-6663 ext.122
dekalbparkdistrict.com |
The golf program works with area agencies to expand golf opportunities for individuals with mobility impairments so they can better access the DeKalb, Sycamore Park Districts Golf Facilities. |
$5,000 |
2010 National Alliance for Accessible Golf-USGA Grants
The Children's Course
Gladstone, Oregon
Contact: Cathy Porter
503-722-153
thefirstteegreaterportland.org/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp |
GAIN Adaptive and Inclusive Golf Camp.
The camp consists of both golf activities at our course and inclusion activities to different venues. In our previous camp we took the participants to a miniature golf and arcade and a local business where they assemble golf clubs. Our camp was designed so that the participant learns the game along with a friend, parent or sibling, so that when the camp is completed they can play together. We encourage our camp participants to join one of our mainstream classes. In addition, we encourage them to come out and play golf at our course after the camp by offering to provide an instructor to join them for a round of golf. This helps to further increase their level of comfort when playing the course. We have also provided free individual lessons for participants and their mentors.
|
$6,000 |
Massachusetts Golf Association
Norton, Massachusetts
Contact: Joseph G. McCabe, Jr
774-430-9100
thefirstteemass.org, mgalinks.org |
The First Tee of Massachusetts — Program for blind junior golfers (Perkins School for the Blind and the Carroll Center for the Blind). This program demonstrates our commitment to working with any and all children who can benefit from everything that golf promotes — life skills, motor skills, healthy lifestyle, and wellness for life. During the spring and summer months, students from each of these schools will travel to MGA Links for several golf and life skills clinics. During the fall semester, our staff will travel to each school for further golf and life skills lessons. |
$2,000 |
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Lake Forest, Illinois
Contact: Cindy Housner
847-283-0973
glasa.org |
GLASA's programs assists in the prevention of conditions problematic to those youth and adults living with a disability including social isolation, fatigue, pain, and difficulty performing daily living activities. Regular participation also helps prevent serious health conditions that can include heart disease, stroke, diabetes and depression. Program participants see daily, the benefits of GLASA's services including improved health and stamina, increased levels of independence and community participation, and reduction of social isolation and depression.
|
$2,088 |
Revelation Golf, Inc.
Elk Grove, Illinois
Contact: Donna Strum
630-253-7703
revelationgolf.org |
Revelation Golf — The program uses the game of golf as a tool to increase respect, accountability, physical endurance, range of motion, cognition, balance, self-esteem and self worth. In our girls programs we seek to build confidence in their abilities on an off the golf course. In addition our at-risk youth learn to have a healthy view of competition, fair play and personal achievement in a substance free environment. RevelationGolf also uses the game of golf as a therapeutic tool. With our veterans, cancer survivors, and physically disabled individuals, we have found golf to be another way to help our participants reintegrate into the community as well as family and social settings. The children in this part of our program are provided with an environment that promotes laughter and fun while dealing with their currently health situations. RevelationGolf uses modified and adaptive equipment to help clients have success in the game as well. |
$15,000 |
Via Quest Foundation
Dublin, Ohio
Contact: Derek Kinzer
614-526-2384
ViaQuestFoundation.org |
Golf & Life Skills Program — Developmentally disabled citizens are often denied opportunities to engage in what would be considered "public recreational or social activities." Exposure to the game of golf not only enriches the lives of these special people, the game is well-suited to teach valuable lessons in life. Therefore, this Golf & Life Skills Program directly reflects our Mission and Vision. We fully expect the youth who enroll in and complete this program to not only learn about the game of golf, but to demonstrate improvement in at least three of the seven critical “life skills” as measured by the Thinking Errors Score sheet. |
$15,000 |
The Ohio Junior Golf Association
Port Clinton, Ohio
Contact: Chuck Redmond
877-517-8833
thefirstteelakeerie.org |
The First Tee of Lake Erie is in the second year of a partnership with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo to conduct a GAIN program. The goal of this collaborative venture is to ensure the inclusion of youth with disabilities in First Tee programs. All First Tee participants with disabilities will also have access to The Ability Center's Youth Services including leadership and independent living skill development programs. The Ability Center has committed its resources to building accessible communities. To reach that goal they have developed partnerships with businesses, government entities, individual's social services to ensure that people with disabilities are full participating members of their communities. |
$15,000 |
Bergenfield Public School District
Bergenfield, NJ
Contact: Dr. Michael Kuchar
201-385-8202
bergenfield.org |
"Not Far from Par" Summer Program for Children with Autism — Bergenfield Public School District is seeking to expand a summer golf program for middle school and high school students with autism. The "Not Far from Par" Golf Program will enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. In addition to filling the recreational needs of the participants, the program also provides unique opportunities for teens with autism to form closer bonds with peers, siblings and parents. The public relations materials promoting and celebrating the program will also be effective with introducing the community at large to the idea that children with autism can be successfully educated within our community. Volunteers and the hundreds of members of the local country club will help communicate the message that children with autism do not need to be sent away to learn. |
$10,000 |
Catholic Charities — Arch Diocese of NY
New York, NY
Contact: Beatriz Diaz Taveras
646-794-2438
CatholicCharitiesNY.org |
Ulster County CYO Hook a Kid on Golf —This program aims to provide noncompetitive opportunities for children with and without disabilities to experience the game of golf "from tee to green" by teaching them the fundamentals of the game in an inclusive environment from its rules and standards of etiquette to golf course maintenance. |
$14,500 |
The Lambs Farm, Inc.
Libertyville, Illinois
Contact: Kimberly Reddell
602-953-2944
campcivitan.org |
Lambs Farm Golf — The overall program focus is to enrich the lives of participants through opportunities for exercise and leisure. The golf program provides opportunities for participants to continue to learn and develop skills, while enjoying the experience of golfing. Our golfers share the course and the range with other golfers from the community. We also offer opportunities for unified golf in which individuals with developmental disabilities golf alongside staff and volunteers without disabilities. |
$2,690 |
Knox County Parks and Recreation
Knoxville, Tennessee
Contact: Doug Bataille
865-215-6600
knoxcounty.org/parks |
Knox County Accessible Golf — Our golf program currently has opportunities for all age levels of play, from The First Tee program to our senior tournaments and leagues. Because of the lack of programs for the disabled, and the geography of our community, it has been difficult for people with disabilities to play our courses. We are hoping to become the premiere organization for accessible golf, and plan to make golf carts available to other organizations attempting to provide accessibility. The Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center is partnering with us and planning some new programming that will include the use of these carts at our facilities. |
$4,895 |
Civitan Foundation, Inc.
Phoenix, Arizona
Kimberly Robinson
602-953-2944
campcivitan.org |
Camp Civitan Golf — Civitan Foundation, Inc. operates on the belief that inclusion is enabling people with disabilities to have full access to educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities and to participate alongside their non-disabled peers. The Camp Civitan Golf Course embodies this idea, enabling each individual that attends our camp program the opportunity to experience the joy of golf in an environment specifically adapted to accommodate each disability. Camp Civitan fosters a sense of belonging to community as a respected and valued peer and our golf program would only serve to further enhance this aspect of our programming. The Camp Civitan Golf Course will also act as a tool to further enhance our relationship with the community in which Camp Civitan is located, the rural town of Williams, AZ. These bonds will be strengthened through the organization of golf clinics by area professionals, golf tournaments open to both the local community and Civitan clients, as well as the utilization of the Golf Course by the Williams community during Camp Civitan's off-season. |
$11,250 |
Broward Autism Foundation Inc.
Sunrise, Florida
Contact: Hugh J. Keough, Esq.
954-547-4608
asabroward.org |
Golfing FORE Autism. Golfing for Middle and High School Aged Students with Autism — The goal is to teach children with autism the joy of the game of golf. A game that can be played for a lifetime by anyone, with anyone, regardless of ability. A game where you are able to socialize, make friends and enjoy the outdoors. Specifically, we want the children to learn the fundamentals of golf, the golf swing, the rules of golf and golf etiquette so that they are able to grow into the game as they mature into adulthood. We want golf to be a part of their life to use as a recreational activity. |
$2,500 |
Deepwood Foundation
Mentor, Ohio
Contact: Rikke Coach
440-350-5208
deepwoodfoundation.org |
Deepwood Recreational Unified Golf Program — This program strives to achieve the following goals within the Unified Golf Program: 1) To provide access for individuals with disabilities to participate in Golf opportunities that they would not typically be afforded. 2) To promote sportsmanship, skill and recreational golf opportunities. 3) To develop skill levels and provide adaptations so that any person with a developmental disability can participate in recreational golf opportunities. Skills include mechanics of golf swings, balance and swing, use of adaptive golf techniques, and use of adaptive golf equipment |
$5,000 |
Best Buddies Kentucky
Louisville, Ky
Contact: Shannon White
502-736-0838
bestbuddieskentucky.org |
The goal of this program is to use the game of golf to provide a social inclusion opportunity for people with disabilities. The objectives are: to match people with and without disabilities in a one-to-one "golf buddy" relationship where the buddies are taught golf skills, play golf together, and enter a golf scramble tournament together; to provide an event which allows Best Buddies Kentucky to share our mission and vision with the public; to raise funds for our social inclusion programming in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; to strengthen our partnership with the University of Louisville; and to increase our participants' golf skills and their love of the game of golf. |
$7,500 |
All Star Training Club (ATC)
Akron, Ohio
Contact: Dan Lancianese
330-645-6419
allstartrainingclub.org |
In this program, all ATC athletes will improve their social and emotional development by their participation in ATC sports events such as the ATC golf league; and the academic/sports summer camp through acceptance of athletes' individualized ability. ATC volunteers, coaches and the community will be made aware of the unique abilities of our rising stars" and their inclusion to society as equal members. Through each of the ATC sports functions, athletes, coaches and volunteers will acquire an increase of knowledge and physical ability through drills and practice and friendly competition. |
$7,000 |
Access of Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
Contact: Dan Johnson
910-313-1759
accesswilmington.org |
This is a GAIN program (Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) The mission of ACCESS WILMINGTON is to provide inclusive recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities. In providing inclusive opportunities persons with disabilities can learn golf and choose to play with their family, friends, and neighbors |
$8,790 |
Down Syndrome Association-Central Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Contact: Nancy Whetstone
614-263-6020
dsaco.net |
The Goals of this program include: Increase participation of people with Down syndrome in the game of golf. Statement: Golf is a physically and mentally challenging sport that can be played on many levels, each of great benefit. Golf can be a lifelong activity, and can lead to opportunities that enable players to more fully participate in and experience life. Provide life skills education in a fun, safe learning environment. Statement: Participants will benefit from instruction by The First Tee Columbus (TFTC). Utilizing the Nine Core Values curriculum of The First Tee Life Skills Experience™, instructors and mentors teach honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. These values represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf. Through this curriculum, participants learn valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude; how to make decisions by thinking about the possible consequences and how to define and set goals from the golf course to everyday life. Provide a vehicle for meaningful inclusion activities to increase acceptance of people with Down syndrome. Statement: Meaningful, positive interactions will enhance opportunities for mentors to recognize the gifts and abilities of individuals with DS, thereby increasing acceptance. Building new relationships with people outside the disability/DS community will expand opportunities and experiences for persons with DS and their families. A shared sense of purpose will facilitate valuation for participants, volunteers and their diversities. |
$9,250 |
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