USA Curling receives grant from The Chicago Community Trust
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 26, 2012
USA Curling awarded grant from The Chicago Community Trust
(STEVENS POINT, Wis.) - USA Curling has been awarded a grant from The Chicago Community Trust in support of the growth of the sport.
Through use of these funds, the organization plans to improve resources available to both existing and emerging clubs. Examples of targeted projects include improving existing certification programs, developing resources for emerging clubs, and identifying successful recruiting and retention practices.
The Trust has awarded grants to the association every year since 2006. In addition to the grant award, The Chicago Community Trust made the inaugural Darwin Curtis Fund Grant Program possible. The program, which was administrated by the USCA on behalf of The Chicago Community Trust, awarded a total of $20,000 in matching funds through a competitive application process to organizations actively working to increase participation in the sport of curling.
"We are extremely excited about the response we received to this program during its inaugural year," said Kim Nawyn, USA Curling's growth and development manager. "It is great to see the passion that curlers around the country have for growing the sport on the local level."
Out of the 24 applications USA Curling received, six were awarded funding. Successful applicants included: Columbus Curling Club (dehumidifier to address a serious mold issue); Evergreen Curling Club (low-emissivity ceiling for new curling facility); Norfolk Curling Club (equipment needed in rebuild of facility destroyed by arson fire last season); Oklahoma Curling Club (freezer for stones stored in an arena setting); Ocean State Curling (set of stones); and San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club (outreach/development program). Each of these clubs was effectively able to tie the initiative and its subsequent impact to the criteria set out by the Darwin Curtis Fund.
Funds for The Chicago Community Trust grant originate from the Darwin Curtis Fund. Curtis was a prominent Chicago-area curler in the mid-20th century. The proceeds from his bequest must be used for projects intended to increase public participation in curling in the United States.
USA Curling currently boasts 165 member clubs in 40 states. USA Curling's membership continues to grow. Since 2001, the association's membership has grown 47 percent and currently has approximately 16,500 members across the United States.
About The Trust: For 97 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region's community foundation, has connected the generosity of donors with the needs of the community by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. In 2010 the Trust made over $100 million in grants. From strengthening community schools to assisting local art programs, from building health centers to helping lives affected by violence, the Trust works to enhance our region. Learn more at www.cct.org.
USA Curling is sponsored by AtomAmpd, Nike, Brooms Up Curling Supplies, Sitrin, and The RAM Restaurant & Brewery.
Visit the USA Curling website at www.usacurl.org and connect with USA Curling on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Foursquare.
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For more information: Terry Kolesar, USA Curling, terry.kolesar@usacurl.org, 715-344-1199, Ext. 202, or 608-338-9900 (cell).
