World Cup Dreams Foundation announces New 2023/24 grants

Press release provided by World Cup Dreams Foundation

The World Cup Dreams Foundation (WCDF), is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to supporting alpine and cross-country skiers, including esteemed World Cup racers such as Sam DuPratt, Tricia Mangan, and the SMS T2 team. WCDF has made a significant impact during the 2022/23 season. Moreover, WCDF is thrilled to announce the availability of three new grants for the upcoming 2023/2024 season.

Applications are now open for all three, each catering to different categories of athletes. The T2 On the Rise Grant is designed for junior racers who are ascending the ranks, while the T2 World Cup Grant is aimed at U.S. Ski Team athletes, invitees, and independent racers. Additionally, WCDF introduces the new ARCO Grant, exclusively targeting U16 athletes.

During the past season, WCDF successfully allocated a staggering $500k across multiple disciplines, providing crucial financial support to 79 athletes to assist with the various costs associated with the sport. The foundation’s assistance yielded remarkable outcomes, including 13 World Championship nominations, 12 podium finishes in National Championships, 24 NorAm podium finishes, four European Cup podium finishes, and six World Junior Championship nominations. Notably, five athletes supported by WCDF successfully requalified for the USST’s criteria after failing to meet the objective criteria during the previous season. Furthermore, three “On the Rise” athletes were named to the USST’s Development Team!

WCDF’s ultimate objective is to identify athletes who exhibit exceptional potential and demonstrate financial need. Through our comprehensive grant program pipeline, we strive to support athletes from the U16 level all the way to the Olympics, USST’s A Team, or World Championship Team. By doing so, we aim to ensure that our nation’s top athletes do not miss out on opportunities due to the financial constraints associated with the sport.

ARCO grants

The newly introduced ARCO grant is a merit and needs-based support system specifically for U16 athletes. These athletes must showcase impressive performance indicating a promising trajectory toward international competition and future eligibility for the On the Rise and World Cup T2 grants. To be eligible for a WCDF ARCO grant, athletes must meet the following requirements:

1. Birth Year: 2008-2009
2. Discipline: Alpine Skiing

WCDF is excited to continue its impactful journey and invites aspiring athletes to apply for the available grants. Together, we can nurture talent, provide opportunities, and propel our athletes toward success on the global stage.

T2 World Cup Grant

The T2 World Cup Grant (T2 WC Grant) is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to American National Team athletes pursuing elite Alpine ski racing. These grants range from $1,500 to $20,000, aiming to sustain the careers of our nation’s most accomplished athletes by granting them the financial freedom to train, compete, and wholeheartedly focus on their professional journeys.

To be eligible for a WCDF/T2 World Cup Grant, athletes must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold the status of U.S. Ski Team Alpine Athletes (A, B, C, D), USST invitees, or Independent WC Racers.

Injured Athlete Grant

In addition to the existing grants, WCDF is proud to introduce the Injured Athlete Grant for the upcoming year. Applications for this grant will open on September 1st. This grant has been established to assist injured athletes in covering their out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring a successful comeback to their respective disciplines. The reintroduction of this grant echoes the grassroots mission of the World Cup Dreams Foundation since its inception in 2006, which was initially focused on supporting injured athletes. The criteria for this grant apply to all WCDF/T2 grantees and National Team members alike.

The application deadline for all grants is July 31, 2023

WCDF encourages all eligible athletes to submit their applications within the specified timeframe, ensuring they can benefit from these invaluable opportunities.

WCDF remains committed to its mission of empowering athletes and nurturing their talents. By offering these grants, we aim to facilitate our elite athletes’ continued growth and success, ultimately contributing to the prominence of American Alpine ski racing on the international stage.

Apply today and join us on this remarkable journey of excellence and achievement. Together, we can make dreams come true. The application deadline for all grants is July 31, 2023.

WCDF is excited to continue its impactful journey and invites aspiring athletes to apply for the available grants.

ARCO Grant Application: CLICK HERE

On The Rise Grant Application:  CLICK HERE

T2 World Cup Grant Application:  CLICK HERE

The World Cup Dreams Foundation is passionately dedicated to advancing the growth and development of our nation’s finest athletes. Our mission is to empower these exceptional individuals, providing them with the necessary resources to achieve their athletic goals and transform their dreams into tangible reality. Through comprehensive career management, invaluable mentorship, and crucial financial support, we strive to pave the way for their success, fostering a future filled with remarkable achievements and limitless possibilities.

For more information, check out https://www.worldcupdreams.org/ or contact Executive Director Thomas Biesemeyer with any questions at [email protected].