Grant Application Window Now Open for USA Triathlon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund

May 14, 2020

Fund is expected to raise $100,000 in grants for multisport organizations, individuals impacted by COVID-19

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— The USA Triathlon Foundation is now accepting applications for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will provide financial support to members of the multisport community who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals and organizations may apply for funding starting today, May 14, through May 31.

Complete eligibility information and application materials can be found at usatriathlonfoundation.org. The Foundation will make all selections, announce grant funding recipients and distribute funds by mid-June.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised more than $94,000 to date and is expected to raise $100,000 by May 17. The first $20,000 in donations were matched dollar-for-dollar by USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris and his wife, Elizabeth Harris ($10,000), and a combination of the USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees and the USA Triathlon Board of Directors ($10,000).

“The USA Triathlon Foundation is overwhelmed by the generosity of donors nationwide who have chosen to give back to the multisport community through the COVID-19 Relief Fund and by participating in the USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run presented by TOWER26,” said David Deschenes, USA Triathlon Foundation Executive Director. “Now, we are eager to extend this support to deserving individuals and organizations who have struggled during this crisis. We look forward to helping offset the financial burden that many within our community are now facing, as we all eagerly await the day when racing returns and we can again swim, bike and run.”

The Foundation welcomes applications from USA Triathlon-certified race directors and race management organizations; USA Triathlon-certified coaches and clubs; and other individuals and organizations who have been impacted by the pandemic.

Funds may be used to support programs and events that have been rescheduled or postponed due to COVID-19, or to create new programs and events that will encourage participation in multisport activities. All requests must help advance the mission of the USA Triathlon Foundation, which is to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities to swim, bike and run.

Grant applications up to $5,000 will be considered. The Foundation may not be able to support every eligible request for funding.

Donations for USA Triathlon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund grants will be accepted through May 31. Visit usatriathlonfoundation.org to donate today, or to learn more about the USA Triathlon Foundation and the programs it supports.

Additional COVID-19 resources and updates from USA Triathlon are available at usatriathlon.org/covid-19. USA Triathlon continues to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19, while following the guidance of local authorities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), when making decisions regarding the status of USA Triathlon events and programs.

About the USA Triathlon Foundation

The USA Triathlon Foundation was created in 2014 by the USA Triathlon Board of Directors as an independent tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity. Under the leadership of its Trustees and Committee members, the Foundation serves as a means to create a healthier America through triathlon and seeks to transform lives by opening up new pathways to the sport for all, especially those who are otherwise underserved. The USA Triathlon Foundation operates with the belief that every child should have the chance to participate, every paratriathlete should have the opportunity to compete, and every aspiring elite athlete should be able to chase his or her Olympic dream. Since the Foundation’s inception, more than $3 million has been provided to worthy causes and organizations that support its mission. Donations to the USA Triathlon Foundation ensure America’s youth are introduced to the benefits and fun of a multisport lifestyle, athletes with disabilities receive the training, support and gear to be able to participate and excel, and the best aspiring young athletes have a chance to pursue their Olympic Dreams. Visit usatriathlonfoundation.org to learn more and donate today.

About USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

– usatriathlon.org –