The USTA Southern Cares Facility Initiative is intended to assist Tennis Facilities to reopen courts and programs when possible and consistent with local, state, and federal guidelines due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this initiative is to help defray some of the tennis related costs associated with reopening facilities and programs. These funds are not eligible to cover lost income, dues or lost revenue while closed and will not include pro or instructor compensation.

At the present time, $500,000 of resources has been allocated for facilities through the Southern Cares Facility Initiative. Funding will be determined in part on the number of courts at the facility along with demonstrated need. Applications will be evaluated in the order in which they are received until funds are exhausted and funding will be awarded in the sole discretion of USTA Southern. Not all applications may be funded and deadline to apply is May 29, 2020. 

One of the conditions to receive an award is the reopening of your facility in 2020. The award funds will be provided upon confirmation of your reopening date. All award funds must be utilized within 30 days of reopening. Applicant should be prepared to provide documentation evidencing that the facility has reopened and exactly how the funds were utilized.  The general range of the awards will be from $2,000 to $5,000 per facility.  Under rare circumstances of need, the committee may increase the award amount on a very limited basis.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Tennis facilities with 4 courts or more
• Acknowledgement and agreement of non-discrimination practice and policy
• Good standing with local, state, and federal regulations
• Currently Safe Play compliant or agree to become compliant within ninety days of Grant Award
• Other criteria at the discretion of the review team
• Financial need

Grant Process:

1. Facility applicant fills out and digitally signs the online application. 

2. Once the online application is completed, USTA Southern will:

a. Evaluate the application

b. Review applications with appropriate USTA State offices

c. Communicate with the applicant to gather additional information and/or seek clarity

d. Generate an evaluation based on whether the application meets the criteria for an award

e. Make an award decision

3. USTA Southern will send a Facility Award Letter to the applicant, or an Award Declined Response if an award is not granted within three weeks of receipt of application

4. If awarded a Grant, the facility must provide a signature by an authorized representative, a current W-9, as well as be prepared to provide proof of purchase/order or current receipts for tennis related supplies and equipment associated with reopening the Facility, and proof of reopening date (public notice or communication to its customers)

5. Applicant returns documentation noted above to USTA Southern

APPLY HERE

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