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GAM FOUNDATION JUNIOR TOURNAMENT PLAYER GRANTS

The Golf Association of Michigan Foundation is offering need-based financial grants to a limited number of junior competitors who participate in GAM championships.

A total of 36 grants of $275 each will be provided through an annual application process based primarily on family financial need and outside factors creating funding gaps for expenses related to competitive golf. One grant is intended to offset costs for one tournament; a junior player may request up to two grants per year.

These funds highlight the GAM Foundation’s commitment to make golf affordable and accessible to the widest possible audience.

Applications are now open and may be submitted by any junior golfer (or his / her parent or guardian) who has participated in or plans to participate in a GAM Championship, USGA Championship, GAM Qualifier, or USGA Qualifier. Grant recipients must be eligible by age for GAM or USGA competition by the completion of the event.

GAM JUNIOR TOURNAMENT PLAYER GRANT APPLICATION

Overview of Proposed Policy
Junior golfers or their families may complete an online application at GAM.org to request financial assistance. A grant in the amount of $275 may be awarded on a per-event basis intended to cover actual and necessary expenses to compete, including but not limited to entry fee, hotel, meals, and mileage. A junior golfer may receive no more than two $275 grants in one calendar year.
Eligibility
Grant recipients must be eligible by age for GAM or USGA junior competition in the year of application. Participation in a GAM or USGA competition is required before a grant will be paid. Recipients must be active GAM members.
Age Eligibility
- If you are 18 or under, you are age eligible for the junior golfer grant in:
  - All GAM Championships
  - All GAM Qualifiers
  - All USGA Championships
  - All USGA Qualifiers
- If you are 19 years old, you are only eligible for the junior golfer grant in:
  - USGA Junior Championships
  - USGA Junior Qualifiers
Application Process
Applications should be submitted by September 19.

Laura Bavaird, GAM Foundation Director, reviews submitted applications and then presents anonymous documents to the selection committee which meets monthly. Financial awards may be recommended by the committee immediately, or decisions may be held until the completion of the tournament season.

The GAM Foundation will review applications and award funds based on greatest demonstrated need which may include a review of number of competition days, expense of travel, household income and number of individuals living in the household, etc. Families are not required to submit tax documents or additional documentation; however, players or their parent/guardian must accurately report household income and other qualifying factors to determine need.

All personal financial information provided in the application is kept strictly confidential. Additionally, names of grant recipients are kept confidential.
Allocation of Funds
While some applicants may be awarded funds before the application deadline, the GAM Foundation anticipates grants being allocated and paid at the conclusion of the GAM tournament schedule in the month of October.

Grants are paid by check and mailed to the home address provided.

To receive the funds, players, or their parent(s) (if the player is under 18) must sign an attestation stating the funds will be utilized only for golf-related expenses related to participation in their GAM Championships. Under the Rules of Amateur Status, golf-related expenses are defined as entry fees, accommodations, travel, meals, and caddie fees.
Questions
Direct inquiries to:
Laura Bavaird
Director, GAM Foundation
lbavaird@GAM.org
(248) 478-9242 ext. 123