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Grants

Be Awarded A Grant

The Foundation for Free Flight grants are based on the availability of funds as well as the merits of each project. Because conservation is a never-ending effort, the Foundation must balance current needs with long-term sustainability.

After the close of each fiscal year, the Board of Trustees budgets the available money for the next year’s incoming grants. Each grant application received is first evaluated for compatibility with the Foundation’s core purpose and qualifying grants will be funded to the best of the Foundation’s abilities.

Generally speaking, in order for a project to be compatible with the Foundation’s core purpose:

A project should preserve a flying site, enhance free flying opportunities in some way, advance the cause of improved safety or education of the free flying public, or foster community-building events such as competitions.

hang glider at sunset

4 Simple Steps to Apply for a Grant:

Step 1

Download and read the FFF Grants Program Guidelines and the Instructions to fill out the FFF Grant Application Form.

Step 2

Complete filling out a FFF Grant Request form describing your project – Grant Application Form (Word) or Grant Application Form (PDF).

Step 3

Email your completed Grant request to the FFF Grant Committee. A Foundation grant advocate will answer your email questions and help guide you through the grant application process.

Step 4

If you have questions, email our Executive Director.

RRRG Instructor Support Grant Program:

This application is to be used by USHPA instructors to apply for the FFF Instructor Support Program. The program is to assist small hang gliding and paragliding instructors and small schools with the USHPA RRG application fees and insurance premiums. Qualified USHPA instructors or small schools may receive a $500 award thru this program.

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As a public charity, the Foundation is legally and ethically prohibited from directly funding commercial entities or private ventures. Therefore, the Foundation typically works with a local non-profit or pilot group such as a local USHPA chapter.

Typically, there is a wide range of considerations when the Foundation compares the merits of qualifying grants. Some common factors include the number of pilots affected, whether a project is “bi-wingual” in benefit, the total dollar amount of the grant (smaller grants don’t crowd out other viable projects), as well as a simple bang for the buck. Also, in order to ensure there is a local commitment to each project, the Foundation gives strong preference to applicants who have raised locally at least 50% of the total funds required. In the end, the Foundation wants what you want, and we do our best to get the most out of the donations we receive. These donations are limited, and so at times, the Foundation is unable to fully fund every deserving project.

Emergency funding needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, but the Foundation for Free Flight has three primary funding cycles. Submitting your application early is the best way to maximize your grant’s chances of being funded.

Application Deadlines

Spring – March 30th

Summer – June 30th

Fall – November 30th

Approx. Grant Committee Meeting Dates

Spring/Summer – May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1

Fall/Winter – September 5, October 3, November 7