Assisting SCCA® Regions in their pursuit of success in hosting charitable or educational programs is what the Region Development Grant is about, although that’s not everything the grant accomplishes. Founded in 2022 by the SCCA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Region Development Grant funds have been received by a variety of Regions in order to assist in the cost of everything from hosting events that encourage motorsports participation to the purchasing of medical devices, specialty member training, the resurfacing of lots, and more, all in the pursuit of supporting SCCA members and the general public alike.
Saginaw Valley Region, Neohio Region, and Blue Ridge Region recently received Region Development Grants for programs that were completely unique from each other. From Saginaw Valley Region’s AED and CPR training initiative to Neohio Region’s motorsports education day and Blue Ridge Region’s ladies-only autocross school, all three were granted access to SCCA Foundation funding to assist in partial payment of their programs.
Your Region could be next, although the next quarterly application deadline is Feb. 28, 2025, so applications will need to be submitted soon.
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 Feb. 28, 2025.
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.
About SCCA Foundation
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, SCCA Foundation’s mission is to support the Sports Car Club of America® by providing inclusive opportunities for motorsports competition, safety, education, and historical preservation.
Proceeds from donations and sweepstakes support the SCCA Foundation’s participation in the Tire Rack Street Survival program (offering life-saving advanced training for teen drivers), SCCA Women on Track (empowering women in motorsports), American veterans engaging in motorsports activities through SCCA events, and more. The Foundation also preserves the history of American Motorsports through the SCCA Archives housed at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, NY.
Learn more about the SCCA Foundation, and consider becoming a donor.
