The SCCA Foundation Region Development Grant is undoubtedly something you’ve read about – and perhaps your Region has even considered applying for it – but for whatever reason, you’ve held back. The thing is, you should submit that grant application as soon as you can, because good things can happen when you do. Case in point, there are two Regions in particular that recently applied for the grant and are receiving funding to assist in their endeavors. Your Region could be next, although the deadline for this quarterly grant is fast approaching.
Before we get to these forward-thinking success stories, here’s what you need to know about the Region Development Grant: This program supplies Regions with up to $2,500 in assistance and is designed to provide supplemental funding by the SCCA Foundation for qualified charitable or educational programs. An eligible Region program must have an educational or charitable purpose consistent with the mission and purpose of the SCCA® and typically must be available to members and non-members alike.
Forward Thinking
For Colorado Region, the SCCA Foundation Region Development Grant will be used to get racing off the streets by promoting introductory track driving to the wider community, giving SCCA members and non-members the opportunity to experience the fun of motorsports in a safe and controlled environment.
Comparable to SCCA’s Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack program, Colorado Region’s TTX program will be composed of classroom sessions followed by on-track driving, then additional classroom sessions. The classroom sessions will cover crucial safety information like flags, track safety protocol, being a predictable driver, safely handling emergencies, and hand signals/track communication.
The grant will help expand the reach of the Region’s program, attracting SCCA members and the general public, all while reducing street racing. This will be accomplished through a multifaceted effort of digital promotion, promotion during in-person events, and community engagement – all of which costs money. The Region’s proposal included the Region covering the bulk of the marketing costs, with the Foundation’s Region Development Grant allowing the program to cross the finish line.
South Jersey Region, meanwhile, has noticed that more and more EVs are showing up at autocross events – something the Region would like to encourage. However, with EVs comes a notable lack of safety training and equipment to deal with an emergency, should one arise. The Foundation’s Region Development Grant will allow South Jersey to pursue the acquisition of needed safety equipment (namely a fire blanket plus window-break and belt-cut tools), with training that would aid on-site workers until first responders can arrive.
Your Region Could Be Next
With the right proposal, your Region could be one of the next recipients of the SCCA Foundation Region Development Grant. In evaluating a grant, the SCCA Foundation selection committee will give the most attention and focus to projects which meet the following criteria:
- Educational or charitable purpose.
- Open to or benefiting the general public and not just Club members.
- It is innovative or demonstrates need.
- It is backed by a detailed project management plan that includes a description of the request, a project schedule, and specific project management.
- The majority of project funding is coming from other sources such that the Foundation grant is helping to close the gap.
For example, a Region may need funding for an exhibit space at an auto show to educate the public about teen safe driving and SCCA activities. In addition to or as an alternative to promoting the Tire Rack Street Survival program, there might be educational flyers providing safe driving tips, suggestions for ways parents might help their teens to learn to drive safely, and opportunities to build driving skills at local SCCA events. Generally speaking, applications for the purchase of equipment or facilities that are not dedicated to the charitable or educational program are unlikely to qualify.
Region Development Grants are not intended to fully fund a Region project. Regions should be prepared to indicate in their application the cost of the project, the Region investment in the project, other contribution sources, and the amount needed from the Foundation.
If your Region has been searching for a financial assist that meets these requirements, the next Region Development Grant deadline is Nov. 30, 2024.
Regions not ready to apply this time around will have quarterly opportunities throughout the year, with application deadlines being Feb. 28, May 31, Aug. 31, and Nov. 30 of each year.
