The NYSBRA Board and Officers evaluate every grant application on its merits to decide if it is a responsible use of NYSBRA finances. Factors considered include the following:
1. Purpose?
- How does the grant support the mission of NYSBRA?
- Examples include: to host rider clinics, to travel to major cycling camps, races, or clinics, and support for officiating or volunteering.
2. Who benefits?
- Is the purpose targeted to a specific person, group such as women/juniors, or open to all?
- If the grant is to benefit a specific person, what is their track record as a rider or organizer, as applicable?
- If the grant is to benefit an open group, how many people are expected to benefit? The larger the potential group of beneficiaries, the better.
- If the grant is to benefit a targeted group, how is it made available to all in the target group (e.g., all women or all juniors)? How will it be advertised?
- If the grant for a limited group, how is the group selected? The selection method must be clear, fair, and open. How will it be advertised?
3. How much funding is requested?
- The more requested (e.g., $500 and up) the more scrutiny it deserves.
- In general, NYSBRA Mission Grants will not exceed $500 per grant and they are meant to share the expected (budgeted) expenses at least 50-50% with the recipient.
4. How will funds be used?
- The budget should reflect reasonable expenses with a sound plan.
- NYSBRA funding cannot simply benefit an individual or club account.
5. Are the expenses shared?
- NYSBRA favors grants that reimburse some but not all expenses.
- In general, NYSBRA Mission Grants are meant to share the expected (budgeted) expenses at least 50-50% with the recipient.
- The 50/50 split shows the requestor’s commitment to the activity.
6. Has the individual or group received previous grants?
- Although there is no predetermined maximum lifetime amount per individual or organization, the board seeks to spread the benefits as much as possible.
- Out of fairness and limited funding, NYSBRA may discount repeated requests from the same individual or organization.
7. Does the grant and rider qualify in all other regards?
- Is all essential information on the application?
- If for junior racers, do the individuals meet basic criteria; e.g., race at least 5 times per season, are they active over a long term, do they have the recommendation of their club officer; etc.
8. Does the grant fit the long range NYSBRA budget?
- Has NYSBRA exhausted the budget for grants or this type of grant?
Grant applications can be sent to nysbragrants@gmail.com