Through the Urban Lacrosse Alliance (ULA), USA Lacrosse supports self-sustaining youth programs with annual education and resources, as they provide playing opportunities in urban communities. Together, we're building the future of lacrosse.
Goals for the Urban Lacrosse Alliance
- Provide resources to support lacrosse introduction and development in underserved areas.
- Develop cost effective solutions for entry into the game.
- Establish relationships with programs and organizations that are committed to increasing opportunities for urban youth.
- Develop a collaborative cross-system effort with other leaders who can identify high-potential individuals both at the youth and adult levels.
- Connect underrepresented youth with USA Lacrosse and the benefits of membership.
ULA Benefits Options
Grant recipients select one item from the equipment package offerings:
- Men’s or women’s lacrosse sticks (up to 30)
- Team uniforms (up to 25 players)
- NOCSAE white or yellow lacrosse balls (1 case), heavy-duty lacrosse bag (1 bag), and lacrosse goal nets (2 nets), and two lacrosse goals
- Team helmets or goggles (up to 25)
Grant recipients select one item from the stipend package offerings:
- Subsidized cost of official fees or transportation costs (up to $1,500)
- Subsidized league or tournament registration fees (up to $1,500)
- Subsidized field rental costs (up to $1,500)
- Free USA Lacrosse membership (up to 30 participants and 2 coaches)
- LaxCon registration, coach education certification scholarship, and travel stipend (limit 2 coaches, $350 per coach)
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Provide lacrosse participation opportunities in which a majority of the participants or intended recipients are urban or underrepresented youth.
- Provide life skills enrichment (tutoring, mentorship, college guidance, character education, nutrition education etc.)
- Demonstrate their ability to deliver lacrosse programming through experienced and committed leadership.
- Deliver a minimum 8-week lacrosse program with preference given to organizations working consistently with participants throughout the year.
- Be in existence for at least two years or season cycles.
- Commit to growing the game effectively and responsibly using US Lacrosse national standards and best practices.
- Organizations provide opportunities for active lacrosse participation in diverse communities.
- Organizations whose activities provide direct services to individuals and produce tangible results, rather than those that are policy oriented. Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation.
- The potential impact of the program/project and the number of people who will benefit.
- The organization's fiscal responsibility and management qualifications.
- The ability of an organization to obtain the necessary additional funding to implement a program or project and to provide ongoing funding and sustainability.
- Preference given, but not limited to, sports-based youth development programs.
Annual Expectations of Urban Lacrosse Alliance members
Annual Expectations of Urban Lacrosse Alliance members
- Demonstrate a continuous dedication to providing opportunities for active lacrosse participation in diverse communities.
- Program must demonstrate the impact of the program/project and the number of people who received direct benefits from their services.
- Program must demonstrate organization's fiscal responsibility and the ability of an organization to obtain ongoing funding and sustainability. Commit to growing the game effectively and responsibly using US Lacrosse national standards and best practices.
- If possible, request staff participation in meetings or other gatherings held by US Lacrosse.
- Fulfill affiliate requirements and expectations as requested – includes annual benefit selection and impact reporting along with program statistics, photos and updates upon request.
- Become representatives of US Lacrosse who support the mission of USL and our organization. ULA Affiliates can lose status if they do not meet the expectations and requirements of US Lacrosse. USL will perform an annual review of each affiliates program.
USA Lacrosse also hosts a free annual Urban Lacrosse Alliance Conference for affiliate coaches and program leaders. The conference is designed to develop and support their growing lacrosse programs specifically in urban communities.
USA Lacrosse Grant Application
For grant consideration, all organizations must submit a USA Lacrosse Grant Application. Please click the button below to learn more about the grant process, upcoming application availability, and to gain access to the Grant Application or Interest Form.
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