MidwayUSA Foundation announced in late February that it concluded its most recent grant cycle, which resulted in a total payout of more than $7.5 million to youth shooting teams and organizations nationwide. The support ensures the next generation of athletes has the necessary resources to compete, grow and succeed in the shooting sports.
The annual cash grants provide vital funding for essential expenses, including targets, ammunition and travel costs for regional and national championships. By providing consistent, sustainable support, the MidwayUSA Foundation helps teams overcome financial barriers that often hinder youth sports programs.
“Our cash grant program is designed to put resources directly into the hands of the teams and organizations that need them most,” said Pete Eisentrager, MidwayUSA Foundation executive director. “Whether a team is just starting out or competing at a national level, these funds provide a reliable foundation for their success.”
Unlike traditional youth sports that rely on annual school budgets or one-off fundraisers, the MidwayUSA Foundation utilizes an endowment model to ensure youth shooting programs receive vital funding for the life of the program. Each year, teams and organizations are eligible to draw five percent of their total balance, creating a permanent source of income. Furthermore, the Foundation incentivizes local fundraising by offering a donation matching program for teams that can double the impact of every dollar raised in their community.
MidwayUSA Foundation offers two grant cycles per year. The next application window will open on April 15, with payouts scheduled for August. Every team or organization with a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment is entitled to a cash grant every year, forever.
Youth shooting sports programs that do not currently have an endowment are encouraged to start one at no cost. For more information on starting an endowment or to view the full list of 2026 recipients, visit the MidwayUSA Foundation webpage to get started.
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