The US Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the U.S., and CHA Sports, the Foundation’s Partner for Soccer Facility Design and Planning Services, are pleased to announce that the Foundation is accepting applications for 2009 Planning Grants from eligible soccer clubs, municipalities, schools, and other organizations seeking to develop master plans for their proposed soccer field projects.

As a joint initiative of the Foundation and CHA Sports, the Planning Grant program provides funding for eligible organizations to create the initial “blueprints” necessary to guide the design and construction of their soccer facilities in coherent and unified way. In addition to building consensus among stakeholders, master planning is essential for establishing the proper sequence and phasing for design and construction, integrating the project into an overall budget, and establishing momentum for future phases. It also serves as a foundation of marketing and fundraising initiatives.

Applying for a Planning Grant is easy:

• Click here to visit the Foundation’s webpage for more details.
• Priority will be given to projects in urban, economically disadvantaged communities.
• Grants will be awarded in the spring so that Grant Recipients can work with CHA Sports over the summer to develop a master plan in time for the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s field grant opportunities offered in the fall
• Grants will be in the form of credit with CHA Sports for up to $10,000 each.

If your organization is interested in pursuing a Planning Grant, contact Sarah Pickens at the Foundation at (202) 872-6639 or spickens@ussoccerfoundation.org. You may also contact Ray Rudolph at CHA Sports at (800) 836-0817 or rrudolph@cha-llp.com.

Applications are due on April 1st.