The Junior Grants program was created back in 2002 as a commitment from the Pacific Women’s Golf Association (PWGA) to support junior girls in golf.
The goal of the program was to provide funding to
programs that already existed to specifically nurture girls in the game. What they found was that the High School Girls' Golf Teams were critically underfunded and could use financial support for things like equipment, instruction and uniforms.
The word started to spread amongst the coaches and funding
was quickly allocated to High School teams each year.
The Women’s Golf Association of Northern California (WGANC) made a commitment of their own to a grants program a few years later and even more schools were able to acquire grants for their teams. In 2020 after both women’s associations unified with NCGA – the Grants Program has been administered
through the NCGA Women’s Committee and Youth on Course (YOC) as part of the nonprofit's commitment to providing all youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf.
The program has grown tremendously. More than $450,000 has been awarded to girls’ golf programs through 2022.
Grants of up to $1,000 are made available to any Junior Girls' Golf Programs within Northern California.
It doesn’t have to be a High School – other Girls' Programs may also apply. Funding may include requests for: Golf course and practice range access, Golf Instruction (limited to $250), Golf equipment, Transportation, Team Uniforms and Tournament Entry Fees.
The program does not consider funding for the following: Administrative Fees including Newsletters and printing, postage, etc., Awards and trophies, food and beverage or team excursions.
The teams are ever grateful for the funding and the stories they often share are inspirational. Hear what some of the coaches and players have shared about their team and or applications.
- “Coaching has opened an opportunity to meet some wonderful young people in our community that I would have never had the opportunity to know. Golf being such a great social experience, lends itself to creating friendships that last a lifetime. I see so many young women that don't have large social circles
grow new friendships with golf being a common enjoyment.” - “It is amazing how far our program has come. As I stated in my grant submission, there would not be a girls' golf team at our high school if it wasn't for this grant. For one thing, we wouldn’t have any equipment for the girls.”
- “The reason behind my asking for this grant is I would like to purchase new golf bags for my team. Currently, we are using the boys' old equipment which is mismatched and not in great condition. The boys have newer golf bags, and I would like the opportunity for the girls to have comparable equipment when
it comes to their bags.” - “Funding is our biggest challenge so these grants make a significant and indelible difference for our players. By providing quality equipment and accessories the players are able to enjoy a more complete and relevant experience and embrace the game on a more transient level.”
The grants application window is open through September 1, applications must be submitted online. If you know a school or girls’ golf program that could use the funding, please share this information with them.
Learn More and Apply Today
See the overall Impact of YOC for Junior Girls Golf in Northern California. With over $285,000 in funding in 2022 alone – you better believe we are making a difference. Learn More About YOC and its mission.
Consider Donating to this great cause and support our next generation of female golfers. Donate Today!