World Golf Foundation Inc - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $897,000 (2022)
• Success Rate: Approximately 67% (82 awards from 122 applications in recent phase)
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (February application to May/June announcement)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $15,000
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)
• Total Program Investment: $3 million awarded since 2021
• Application Cap: 100 applications per phase (first-come, first-served)

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

• Website: www.worldgolffoundation.org
• Phone: (904) 940-4000
• Email: info@worldgolffoundation.org
• Address: 13000 Sawgrass Village Circle, Building 4, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Grant Program Contact:

• Email: grassrootsgrants@worldgolffoundation.org
• Application Portal: grassrootsgrants.smapply.io
• Program Website: www.golfcoalition.org/grassrootsgrants

Overview

The World Golf Foundation (EIN: 59-2998925) was established to unite the golf industry around initiatives that promote growth, enhance access, and support diversity across communities worldwide. Supported by major international golf organizations including the PGA TOUR, USGA, PGA of America, LPGA, and others, the Foundation oversees the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum and the American Golf Industry Coalition. Since 2021, the Foundation has significantly expanded its grant-making activities through the "Make Golf Your Thing" Grassroots Grants Program, distributing $3 million to 204 unique organizations across 318 grants. In 2022, the Foundation awarded $897,000 in grants across 42 awards. Under CEO Greg McLaughlin's leadership since 2018, the Foundation has prioritized expanding access to golf for historically underrepresented communities, achieving remarkable results: ethnically diverse participation has grown 44% since 2020 (reaching 6.9 million), and women's participation has increased 41% since 2019 (reaching 7.9 million players).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Make Golf Your Thing Grassroots Grants Program

• Grant Amounts: $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000
• Application Method: Online portal at grassrootsgrants.smapply.io
• Application Schedule: Rolling phases, typically opening in February
• Cap: 100 applications per phase (first-come, first-served basis)
• Total Available per Phase: Ranges from $500,000 to $750,000 depending on phase
• Administered by: American Golf Industry Coalition (a division of World Golf Foundation)

Priority Areas

The program supports charitable organizations dedicated to increasing golf participation among historically underrepresented groups, specifically:

• Black communities
• Latinx communities
• Asian communities
• Indigenous communities
• Women
• LGBTQI+ individuals
• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities

Key Focus: Organizations that are making the sport more accessible and welcoming to all, inviting people from all backgrounds and abilities to engage with golf.

Preference Given To: Organizations with 2024 revenues of $250,000 or less

Selection Criteria: Applications are evaluated based on:

• Population served
• Leadership quality
• Programming offered
• Growth potential
• Sustainability

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly does NOT provide grants to organizations for:

• Event sponsorships
• Brick-and-mortar requests (capital improvements)
• Organizations that currently receive significant support from leading golf organizations
• 100% of program costs (applicants must demonstrate other revenue sources)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Greg McLaughlin - CEO, World Golf Foundation & President, PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (since 2018)

• Previously served as President of PGA TOUR Champions (2015-2018)
• Former CEO of Tiger Woods Foundation (14 years)
• On diversity and inclusion: "Five years ago, Make Golf Your Thing was formed around the belief that expanding access to the game benefits everyone. Today's progress in making golf more accessible reflects the continued efforts of organizations and individuals who are united by a driven commitment to inclusion."

Board of Directors - Executive Committee

Jay Monahan - Chairman, World Golf Foundation; Commissioner, PGA TOUR

• Appointed PGA TOUR Commissioner in 2017
• Stepping down at end of term in 2026

Mike Whan - Board Member, World Golf Foundation; CEO, USGA

• Joined USGA as CEO on July 1, 2021

Derek Sprague - Board Member; CEO, PGA of America

• Guides business and strategy for organization with 30,000+ members
• Took over CEO role in 2025

Additional Governance: The Board of Directors includes executives from major golf organizations and professional tours including LPGA and other international golf bodies.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Portal: Applications are submitted online through grassrootsgrants.smapply.io

Application Schedule:

• Applications typically open in February
• Cap of 100 applications per phase on a first-come, first-served basis
• Recent phases have closed in early March or when 100 applications are received, whichever comes first

Required Documentation:

1. Completed online application form
2. Budget Narrative describing in detail all revenues, expenses, and in-kind contributions listed on GGP Budget Forms
3. Copy of organization's IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Determination Letter
4. List of organization's Board of Directors or other Governing Body
5. Two most recent years' financial statements

Important: The program will NOT provide 100% of program costs. Applicants must demonstrate other revenue sources supporting the program and a sustainable business model with partnerships and resources from individuals, community, and private funders.

Decision Timeline

• Application Period: Typically February (Phase VI opened February 9)
• Application Deadline: Early March or when 100 applications received
• Review Period: March - May (approximately 3-4 months)
• Announcement: May/June (recent Phase VI announced June 2025)
• Notification Method: Email notification to applicants; public announcement on website and through press releases

Success Rates

• Phase IV: 82 awards from 122 applications = 67% success rate
• Overall: 318 grants awarded to 204 unique organizations since May 2021
• Recent Phases:
  • Phase IV: 82 organizations awarded (total $750,000)
  • Phase V: 81 organizations awarded (total funding amount not specified)
  • Phase VI: 70 organizations awarded (total $500,000)

Note: Seven organizations have received grants in all six funding cycles, demonstrating that repeat applications from successful grantees are welcomed and encouraged.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by a team of 24 volunteers who have extensive experience in expanding grassroots golf organizations. This peer review process ensures applications are evaluated by professionals who understand the sector and can assess program quality and impact potential.

Reapplication Policy

While no explicit reapplication restrictions were documented, the fact that some organizations have received funding in multiple consecutive phases suggests that:

• Previous grant recipients can reapply in subsequent phases
• Unsuccessful applicants are likely permitted to reapply
• Organizations should contact grassrootsgrants@worldgolffoundation.org for specific guidance on reapplication

Application Success Factors

Critical Requirements

Sustainability is Key: The Foundation emphasizes long-term sustainability. Applications must demonstrate:

• A sustainable business model for operations
• Plans for eventual self-sustainability through local support
• Successive funding requests should comprise a decreasing percentage of overall program budgets
• Multiple revenue sources (not just this grant)

Reporting Commitment: Applicants must agree to:

• Share program information, best practices, pictures, and testimonies on a timely basis
• Submit a final report at the end of the funding period

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Based on successful recipient profiles, strong applications typically feature:

1. Clear Focus on Underrepresented Groups: Organizations like Latina Golfers Association (Los Angeles, CA) that provide affordable clinics and use golf as a tool for personal and professional development among specific underrepresented populations

2. Innovative Programming: Examples include Golf. My Future. My Game. (Washington D.C.) which created a Caddie program at historic Langston Golf Course, providing pathways for underrepresented youth

3. Demonstrated Accessibility: Organizations like Adaptive Golfers (North Myrtle Beach, SC) that provide clinics for children and adults with disabilities—cognitive, physical, sensory, health, or age-related

4. Community-Based Approach: Local programs with deep community roots and partnerships, as evidenced by 19 local First Tee organizations receiving funding

5. Growth Potential: The selection committee specifically evaluates growth potential, so demonstrating how the grant will scale impact is important

6. Strong Leadership: Leadership quality is a specific selection criterion—highlight your team's experience and commitment

Strategic Guidance

• Apply Early: With a cap of 100 applications per phase, early submission is crucial
• Keep Budgets Under $250,000: While not a strict requirement, organizations with revenues under $250,000 receive preference
• Show Partnership: Demonstrate existing partnerships and community support
• Avoid Major Golf Funding: If you currently receive significant support from leading golf organizations, you likely won't qualify
• Think Long-Term: Show how this grant is part of a sustainable growth strategy, not a one-time program
• Program Over Infrastructure: Remember they don't fund brick-and-mortar or event sponsorships—focus on programming

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Act Fast: The 100-application cap means timing is critical—be ready when applications open in February and submit as early as possible
• 67% Success Rate: With approximately two-thirds of applicants receiving funding in recent phases, odds are relatively favorable compared to many funders
• Sustainability Matters More Than Need: The Foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate long-term sustainability and growth potential over those seeking one-time support
• Smaller Organizations Have an Edge: Organizations with revenues under $250,000 receive preference in selection
• Multiple Grants Possible: Seven organizations have received funding in all six cycles, indicating that building a relationship through successful grant delivery can lead to repeat funding
• Document Diversity Impact: Be specific about which underrepresented populations you serve and provide concrete data on participation and outcomes
• Peer Review Process: Your application will be evaluated by 24 volunteers with grassroots golf experience—write for practitioners who understand the sector, not just general grant reviewers
• Budget Transparency is Critical: The detailed budget narrative requirement suggests careful financial planning and transparency are weighted heavily in review

References

1. World Golf Foundation Official Website. "About." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.worldgolffoundation.org/about

2. American Golf Industry Coalition. "Grassroots Grants Program." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.golfcoalition.org/grassrootsgrants

3. Make Golf Your Thing Grassroots Grant Application Portal. "Phase VI - Grassroots Grants Program (2025)." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grassrootsgrants.smapply.io/prog/grassrootsgrant2025/

4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "World Golf Foundation Inc - Form 990." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/592998925

5. Make Golf Your Thing. "Seventy Organizations to Receive Funding Through Grassroots Grants Program." June 6, 2025. https://makegolfyourthing.org/2025/06/06/seventy-organizations-to-receive-funding-through-grassroots-grants-program/

6. American Golf Industry Coalition. "Eighty-one organizations across the U.S. have been selected to receive funding through the Make Golf Your Thing Grassroots Grants Program." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.golfcoalition.org/post/eighty-one-organizations-across-the-u-s-have-been-selected-to-receive-funding-through-the-make-golf

7. Make Golf Your Thing. "Industry Reflects on Five Years of Expanding Access as Sport Reaches 48.1 Million." January 23, 2026. https://makegolfyourthing.org/2026/01/23/golf-industry-reflects-on-five-years-of-expanding-access-as-sport-reaches-48-1-million-americans/

8. Cause IQ. "World Golf Foundation | Ponte Vedra Beach, FL." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/world-golf-foundation,592998925/

9. World Golf Foundation Official Website. "Board." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.worldgolffoundation.org/board

10. African American Golfer's Digest. "See The 81 Organizations Selected to Receive Grants From Make Golf Your Thing in 2024." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://africanamericangolfersdigest.com/81-organizations-selected-to-receive-grants-totaling-from-make-golf-your-thing/