Mark Springer Travel Grant

Purpose of the Grant

The Mark Springer Travel Grant supports eligible USATF youth clubs in reducing the financial burden associated with participation in eligible national championship competitions. Established in honor of Mark Springer, former USATF Director of Grass Roots Programs & Planning and founder of the program, the program recognizes clubs that demonstrate a sustained commitment to youth athletics, athlete development, responsible program leadership, and service to their communities. 

Grant Distribution and Award Safeguards

1. Each of the five (5) geographical zones receives an equal allotment of grants.
2. The amount of each grant is equally distributed within the five (5) zones.
3. No more than two (2) clubs per Association within the respective zone will receive the grant.
4. The grant is awarded and distributed upon receipt of proof of payment (receipts) submitted after the completion of the applicable championships. Receipts must confirm payment and be legible.

Eligibility Requirements

1. A club must consist of more than two (2) athletes.
2. A club must have a paid current year's membership at the time of application.
3. A club must be in good standing with its association and have no outstanding issues, including any disqualifications from the previous year.
4. A club must have been a member of USATF for at least three (3) consecutive years.
5. All club coaches and administrators must have successfully completed and passed all required Background Screening and SafeSport mandates.
6. Program leadership and accountability. The club demonstrates responsible leadership, appropriate athlete safeguarding practices, compliance with USATF requirements, and a commitment to a safe and positive youth environment.
7. A club must use the grant as reimbursement for participation in one of the four (4) USATF National Youth Championships: Youth Indoor Championships, Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, Youth Outdoor Championships, or Junior Olympic Cross-Country Championships. No club may receive the Mark Springer Travel Grant more than once within a three (3) year period.
8. Effective with the 2027 Mark Springer Travel Grant application cycle (and not applicable to 2026 applications), clubs must demonstrate participation in community service and outreach activities. Applications should briefly describe the scope, impact, and level of athlete involvement in serving their local communities.

Application Review and Award Administration

Applicants are encouraged to clearly identify who will benefit from the funding, why participation in the championship is important, and how the grant will support meaningful athlete development and access.

Stage One — Eligibility Review

• The National Office will verify eligibility. Only applications meeting all mandatory requirements will advance to competitive evaluation.

Stage Two — Competitive Evaluation

• Eligible applications will be evaluated consistently against published selection criteria, including youth athlete development, program leadership, and demonstrated travel need.
• Recipients must acknowledge the grant conditions and submit required documentation under USATF grant administration procedures.

Award

Grant recipients will be selected through the review process above, subject to the distribution limits in Section 2. Awards will be paid as reimbursement after the applicable championship concludes and recipients submit legible receipts verifying payment for eligible expenses.

Application Form

2024 Mark Springer Grant Recipients