Columbia, MO - To continue its philanthropy to offer sustainable funding for youth shooting teams, MidwayUSA Foundation is introducing two new grant-giving programs. Starting in February, the Foundation will begin accepting applications for Coach Training and Range Development grants. These separate programs will offer competitive cash grants to its endowment holders. Qualified coaches are an integral piece to the expansion of youth shooting sports and so too is a place too shoot. Each of these programs are meant to fulfill those specific needs of the industry.

Executive Director, G. Scott Reynolds, talked about the importance of these new programs. “We at the MidwayUSA Foundation take great pride in our programs to fund youth shooting teams across our Nation. But we also recognize teams encounter other challenges, beyond the lack of funding, that can keep them from practicing and competing. Without a certified coach to mentor them and without a safe range to practice on, teams become dormant and athletes become stagnant.”

MidwayUSA Foundation’s Coach Training grant cycle will be open February 1 through March 1 and grants will be awarded in May. The maximum grant payout is $5,000 and the funds must be used to train entry-level shooting coaches or for train-the-trainer courses within 9 months of receipt. Teams or individuals interested in our Coach Training grant program should reach out to their state organization, as only state agency endowment holders are eligible to apply.

Range Development grants are available to allow existing shooting ranges to make improvements or expansions to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. This grant cycle runs February 1 to April 1 and cash grants will be awarded in June. Range Development grants will not exceed $75,000 or 50% of the proposed project budget and funds must be used within 9 months of receipt. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Team and agency endowment holders are encouraged to work with their respective shooting range(s) to identify needs and complete grant application requirements. For both programs, applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online application process.

G. Scott Reynolds continued, “With the addition of these new programs we can not only help ensure teams are funded for the long-term, but we can also ensure the infrastructure is in place to provide qualified coaches and regulation ranges. We want all kids that desire to participate in youth shooting sports to have that opportunity, and we are thrilled that these new grant programs will help ensure that happens!” Additional requirements can be found on MidwayUSA Foundation’s website.

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of today's youth through shooting sports activities. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit midwayusafoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.