The USA Lacrosse National Grant Program is designed to help programs start strong, grow responsibly, and reach more athletes by removing barriers to participation. Through a combination of equipment, financial support, and hands on guidance, USA Lacrosse invests in nonprofit organizations that are expanding access to the game and building sustainable lacrosse communities across the country. The program is structured to meet a program at the right time in its growth journey, moving from first exposure, to expanding access, to scaling and sustaining participation.

Exposure → Access → Participation → Sustainability

Awarded: Once annually

Audience: Schools and school-based partners

Goal: Students experience lacrosse for the first time in a fun, structured environment Physical Education (Pe) Grants introduce lacrosse in school-based settings, helping students experience the game in a structured, age-appropriate environment. Funding supports equipment and resources that allow physical education programs to safely and confidently integrate lacrosse into their curriculum, building early awareness and interest at the grassroots level.

• Provides PE kits
• Supports safe, age-appropriate PE instruction
• Builds early exposure and awareness

The current cycle is closed. The 2027 grant application process will open in June 2027.

Awarded: Once annually

Audience: Nonprofit programs serving underserved communities, or launching or
growing adaptive lacrosse

Goal: Reduce barriers and promote inclusive participation opportunities

Access and Inclusion Grants support organizations working to expand participation in lacrosse by removing financial, physical, and systemic barriers. These grants fund programs bringing lacrosse to traditionally underserved communities, as well as organizations launching or growing adaptive lacrosse initiatives for athletes with disabilities. Support may be used for equipment, accessible facilities, specialized or adaptive gear, transportation, training, and other essential expenses that enable safe, inclusive participation and create meaningful opportunities for all players.

• Financial and equipment grants
• Covers accessible facilities and transportation
• Covers training and program support

The current cycle is closed. The 2027 grant application process will open in June 2027.

Awarded: Rolling basis

Audience: USA Lacrosse member programs, and qualifying non-member programs

Goal: Programs build stability, serve more athletes, and grow sustainably

Advancement Grants are designed for USA Lacrosse member and non-member programs that are ready to take the next step. These grants prioritize organizations facing funding challenges that limit their ability to expand participation, add teams, or meet growing demand. Support is flexible and responsive, helping programs sustain momentum and grow responsibly while maintaining a positive, age-appropriate athlete experience.

• Financial grants
• Stick grants
• Supports program expansion and retention
• Helps meet increased demand

Awarded: Twice annually

Audience: Local Officiating Organizations (LOOs)

Goal: Recruit, train, and retain the officials who make the game possible

Officials Grants support Local Officiating Organizations (LOOs) working to recruit, train, and retain the officials who make every game possible. Funding is available in two rounds each year — one ahead of the spring season, one ahead of the summer/fall season — and can go toward starting a junior officiating academy, hosting officials training, or building a formal observation and development program.

• Junior Officiating Academy Support Grant: helps LOOs start or strengthen a program that develops high-school-aged officials to work youth games
• Training Support Grant: funds annual officials training and classroom sessions
• Observation Program Support Grant: funds trained observers who help working officials improve, not just grade them

Timeline

• Round 1 (spring season): November 15 – December 15
• Round 2 (summer/fall season): May 15 – June 15

Officials Grants Information

USA Lacrosse accepts grant applications beginning June 1 each year. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and directly affiliated with the program they are applying for.

Organizational Requirements

• Must directly serve youth between ages 6-19, with a priority of youth ages 14 and under 
• Must be located in and serve youth within the United States 
• Must offer consistent/structured opportunity for lacrosse play to large groups of children 
• Must deliver programming through experienced and committed leadership 
• Must deliver a minimum of six weeks of sports/physical activity programming 
• Must be willing and able to comply with USA Lacrosse best practices and policies 
• Must express organizational goals that align with USA Lacrosse 
• Must demonstrate an area of need and a plan to utilize USA Lacrosse support to meet that need
• Must provide the organization's Employer Identification Number (EIN) within the grant application
• Current USA Lacrosse employees are not eligible to apply for or receive grant funding

Preferences

• Organizations emphasizing support of the women’s game and/or offering programming for both games 
• Organizations supporting diverse athletes and/or communities (racially, geographically, socio-economically, adaptively, etc.) 
• Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 designation