Buying weightlifting equipment is a pricey endeavor, and many organizations simply don't have the money to renovate weightlifting facilities. Charitable organizations across the world, many of them non-profits, provide grants to schools and other organizations to purchase new weightlifting equipment so that it gives others a chance to enhance their fitness. Weightlifting equipment can be machines with weight plates or free weights in which you load weights onto barbells and dumbells.
WerkSan Fund Club Grant Program
USA Weightlifting, the sanctioning organization for Olympic competition in America, offers WerkSan Fund grants to USAW clubs that can demonstrate a financial need and are struggling to find funding. The main goal is to help clubs support athletes who would otherwise be prohibited from enjoying the sport. The grant awards are $2,000 and you can only earn one per year. The organization doles out $10,000 a year, according to its website. If you earn a grant from USA Weightlifting you will get WerkSanUSA equipment, no other brand, and you will need to supply receipts within 90 days to prove you bought the correct equipment. Only club officers can apply.
Good Sports
Good Sports aims to create youth participation in sports and other fitness activities as a nonprofit, and therefore awards grants of equipment to organizations that are in need. The list of criteria for consideration includes that you serve American youth ages 5 to 18 in a disadvantaged area and that you are either developing a new program or trying to increase the number of participants in an existing program. There must also be coaching or structure and a consistent schedule of availability. Applicants may have to go through a phone interview, and may have to host Good Sports representatives for a site visit. Also, those who win grants must pay a 10 percent administrative fee.
Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grants
The Carol M. White Physical Education Program, administered by the United States Department of Education, offers grants to schools nationwide to promote physical fitness in schoolchildren. Spending is somewhat discretionary, as the language is somewhat vague when it comes to what you can buy. According to the Department of Education website, you can use the grant funds to provide equipment and support to encourage students to actively participate in physical education activities. You can also use the money for training teachers how to best use the equipment. Most importantly, you must implement programs that will help students reach state standards for physical education.
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians offers grants to schools in the Boyne City, Mich. area. According to a Feb. 17, 2011 article on the Petoskeynews.com website, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians awarded $21,643 to Boyne City Schools so that they can purchase new weightlifting equipment for middle and high schools. Boyne City's high school conducts a weightlifting program called "Better, Faster, Stronger" that is part of a national system that applies to all students, not just athletes.
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