GCSAA Chapter Outreach Grant Program

Although GCSAA dedicates considerable resources to national outreach, those efforts alone are not enough to achieve desired results. For this reason, GCSAA has established a fund to help chapters engage in activities that complement its efforts to communicate the value of membership to key constituents, primarily golfers and employers. A total of $20,000 is available each year for grants.

For more information

Contact Angela Hartmann, director, communications, at 800-472-7878, ext. 3647, or ahartmann@gcsaa.org.

Grant guidelines

The GCSAA communications department determines that each application meets the guidelines for eligibility and then a GCSAA member task group reviews all applications.

The following criteria are used for outreach awards:

  1. First priority will be given to those chapters that have not received a grant in the last three years.
  2. The chapter must start its outreach activities within two calendar years. For example: awards granted in 2023 must be used by the end of 2024.
  3. The chapter must provide matching funds equal to the amount requested. For example: A request of $1,500 must be equaled by at least $1,500 from the chapter.
  4. The outreach activity should address a specific communications need, but not be a duplication of efforts undertaken by the GCSAA at the national level on behalf of the membership. For example: a request for money for general promotional materials will not be approved, since GCSAA provides print, audio and video collateral communications at the national level. But, a request for funds to buy commercial time using the national message on radio or television with a chapter tag line would be considered.
  5. When applicable, the activity must include use of the GCSAA logo.  
  6. Funds must be requested for future programs and not retroactively for past efforts.
  7. GCSAA reserves the right to request the return of outreach funds if not used in accordance of the guidelines as detailed on the application.
  8. Funds will not be approved to supplement current staff salaries. However, funds will be considered for freelance support or intern stipends to work on a specific communications outreach project.
  9. Any chapter request may not exceed $3,000.

The following chapters were awarded a Chapter Outreach Grant in 2022.

  • Georgia GCSA
    Further Community Outreach Program to work with high schools in Georgia and surrounding states to grow the game and profession..
  • Greater Pittsburgh GCSA
    Host a facility BMP workshop meeting at the First Tee of Pittsburgh Arnold Palmer Learning Center.
  • Maine GCSA
    Host a "BMP Day" at Riverside Municipal Golf Course to demonstrate and highlight the BMPs and retain an environmental consultant to produce this event for the association.
  • Minnesota GCSA
    Digital billboard campaign during the PGA Tours 3M Championship displaying environmental stewardship, which has 700,000 views during event week.
  • Northern Ohio GCSA
    As the NOGCSA nears its 100th anniversary in 2023, the chapter is planning a yearlong observance to commemorate and take advantage of this significant event.
  • San Diego GCSA
    Continue to expand programming of freelance Marketing Manager to do press releases on chapter events/charitable initiatives and other social media promotional efforts that are aimed at those outside of the membership.
  • Utah GCSA
    Create a short PSA video to be shared on social media channels showing the health benefits of golf, and environmental measures superintendents are implementing.
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