FAQ’s:

What types of grants are available?

We provide individual grants to families in need for youth athletes in grades K-12. For each of these types of grants, we provide full and partial grants, depending on qualification and available funds.

What are the qualification criteria for an individual grant?

Programs must occur in Minnesota, however applicants do not need to reside in the state of Minnesota. The focus is for families that lack sufficient resources to pay for youth sports. Our qualification criteria include, but are not limited to, following the most recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Estimated State Median Income by Household Size as guidelines to determine qualification for a grant. 

To qualify for a full grant, you must make less than 60% of the estimated median income by household size for your state. To qualify for a partial grant (50% of the cost), you must make less than the estimated median income by household size for your state. For more information on income qualification, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program State Median Income by Household Page or contact us at mnteams.secretary@gmail.com to determine if you qualify. MNTA reserves the right to make exceptions to eligibility guidelines for reasonable extenuating circumstances.

Are there limitations to individual grants?

• Grants are limited to a maximum of one per participant per year (families may request multiple grants as appropriate for each child i.e.. 3 children = 3 scholarships). However, if additional funds are available exceptions may be made 
• MNTA reserves the right to cap total annual grant distributions. 
• An application is required for each grant and for each child.
• Confidential grant applications are addressed on a needs and first-come, first-served basis as funds are available.

What can I expect during the grant application process? 

1. Fill out an application form by clicking on Apply For A Grant. 
2. A member of the MNTA board will review your submission and contact you to let you know if we need more information, if your family doesn’t qualify or if we can’t fund your grant at that time.
3. If a grant is awarded, MNTA will make arrangements for payment directly to the organization and any sports equipment will be purchased and shipped directly to you. Due to overwhelming demand for our youth sports grant program, you may or may not receive a response from the MNTA board.

If I am approved for an individual grant, how does it work?

Once approved for a grant, MNTA will pay registration and associated fees directly to the sports organization. If the grant includes equipment, MNTA will purchase the equipment and have it shipped directly to you. You will be required to complete a mid-season and post-season survey and submit to MNTA so we can learn about your athlete’s experience. Your coach may also be required to complete a survey about your athlete’s participation.

How far in advance do I need to apply for a grant?

While we will make every effort to review grants on short notice, we generally require grant applications to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the sport program registration deadline.

Application:

Grant Guidelines: Please read carefully

• A parent or legal guardian of a participant who meets the qualifications may apply for an individual grant. 
• Eligibility for our grant program does not guarantee that you will receive assistance.  Funds are limited and will be distributed as available on a discretionary basis to those who qualify.
• Grants are limited to a maximum of one per participant per year (families may request multiple grants as appropriate for each child ie. 3 children = 3 scholarships). However, if additional funds are available exceptions may be made.
• Grants cannot be used as a reimbursement for funds already paid.

Grants are non-transferable.