Application Process

Applications for 2025 are now available!  Please read below for information and to apply

If you have any outstanding questions, please email us at GoldCupHOCRgrant@gmail.com.

• Overview & Applicant Eligibility

  The Head Of The Charles x Gold Cup grant program provides financial support to rowing programs across the United States that work with under-resourced communities and are committed to broadening access and creating welcoming environments for all participants. We believe programs that are actively committed to the long- term work of supporting youth and their families in these communities will help build skills that can be used both on and off the water.

  The 2025 HOCR x Gold Cup Grant fund will award 4 programs with $25,000 for the 2025-26 season

  What programs are eligible to apply for this grant?

  • Provide competitive racing teams for under-resourced youth aged 19 and under
  • Priority will be given to programs that also provide programming such as tutoring, mentorship, college guidance, and enrichment
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Committed to USRowing Safe Sport standards
  • A commitment to expanding access and creating a welcoming environment for all
  • Demonstrate efforts to recruit and sustain a diverse population of student-athletes, staff, and leaders

  What are under-resourced communities? How do you define “at-risk” youth?
  Under-resourced communities lack resources in leadership, physical assets, financial resources, power, political will, institutions, community cohesion, and services.

• Application Process and Timeline

  The Gold Cup and The Head Of The Charles will accept grant applications through an online application linked below.

  We recognize that online grant applications may not allow every applicant to best demonstrate how their program is advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you feel that is the case, please reach out to us at GoldCupHOCRGrant@gmail.com to discuss how we can best accommodate your application.

  Timeline

  What is the application timeline?
  The program will accept applications from April 14, 2025 through May 2, 2025. The Grant Selection Committee will review applications starting May 3, 2025 and announce grant recipients by June 9, 2025

  *Our Grants Committee is comprised of volunteers. We work incredibly hard to stick to these deadlines once we receive applications but ask for your patience as we manage many priorities.

  Ready to start your application? Click HERE  to get started!

   

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Q: My club does not operate in the US. Can I apply for a grant?
  A: At this time, grants are only available to programs based in the United States.

  Q: Can I apply more than once?
  A: We are only able to accept one application per program. If you do not receive a grant this year, we encourage you to apply when applications reopen.

  Q: How many grants will be awarded?
  A: For 2025, we anticipate awarding grants to 4 programs in the amount of $25,000

  Q: In addition to the funding, will grant recipients receive any other benefits?
  A: Yes! There will be individual check-ins in addition to cohort meetings.