2025 United We Row Grant Application Is Now Open

Grant program returns after broad-spanning impact and success in 2024

Successful applicants will be awarded grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000

The Youth Power 20 Fund supports at least one grant annually in perpetuity

The 2025 United We Row Grant application is now open through 3 a.m. ET on April 19, 2025. Clubs and organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to support their efforts to make rowing more accessible, competitive, and diverse. Funding is dedicated to grants that support creative projects and initiatives that align with increasing diversity and opening boathouse doors to athletes traditionally underrepresented in rowing. 

Successful grant applicants will be awarded grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000. The Stage 1 application can be found here, along with the recording of an informative 2025 Grants Town Hall with details on the application process.

Last year, United We Row provided $70,000 in grants to nine rowing organizations to advance their efforts to make rowing more accessible in the communities. Those grants impacted over 400 rowers collectively. A 2024 grantee, Atlanta Rowing Club used its funding to help expand its programming for rowers with disabilities and to provide travel support for Para rowers to compete in regattas. To learn more about how other clubs used their grants, watch this video.  

Over the next four years, USRowing is dedicating $1 million to supporting programs that improve access to rowing in their communities through grants and scholarships.

"Reading through the grantee applications was one of the highlights of 2024 for me,” said Jennie Trayes, Chief Community Engagement Officer. “The creativity, passion, and dedication of rowing leaders and coaches from across the U.S. truly shine through in their words—and, most importantly, in their thoughtful program designs. Our team is thrilled to launch the second year of our grant program and feels privileged to support these impactful rowing organizations."

The new Youth Power 20 Fund, a grant endowed by Bill Hudson, will cover the cost of one or more United We Row grants in perpetuity. The Fund supports small and emerging rowing clubs and programs that provide access and opportunity for diverse youth athletes from underserved communities.

All applications will be carefully reviewed by the Selection Committee, which is composed of representatives from the USRowing staff, the Board of Directors, and the DEI Committee. An application's alignment with USRowing’s organizational values, impact, sustainability and growth, leadership, and professionalism are the main criteria considered by the committee. Facets such as program size, geographic location, and the communities served in each application are factored into the review and decision-making process for grantees as well. USRowing encourages organizations to apply if they are on the fence.

To support United We Row, donate today, sign the pledge, and sign up for the newsletter.  

About United We Row 

A Seat in the Boat for Everyone: USRowing’s United We Row initiative focuses on supporting rowing programs, coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in advancing the sport of rowing to diversify and grow their programs. It represents the power of rowing to bridge divides, unite athletes across differences, and push the community forward.