USRowing Awards $100,000 in 2026 United We Row Grants

USRowing announced today the recipients of its 2026 United We Row grants, awarding $100,000 to 15 rowing organizations across the country that are expanding access to the sport through adaptive rowing, youth development, coach education, transportation, and community outreach.

Since launching in 2022, the United We Row grant program has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into community rowing organizations working to remove barriers to participation and create pathways into the sport for athletes of all backgrounds. This year's grants continue that mission by supporting programs that increase access for youth, adaptive athletes, veterans, and historically underrepresented communities.

“This year’s United We Row grants reflect the incredible momentum we’re seeing across the rowing community,” said Will Bott, Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement. “Thanks to increased funding, we’re able to invest even more in organizations that are creating pathways for people to discover and thrive in our sport. We’ve seen firsthand the impact previous grantees have had in their communities, and we’re excited to support this next group as they continue expanding access to rowing and creating lasting opportunities for future athletes.”

Four organizations were selected as Youth Power 20 recipients, receiving funding to support youth-focused initiatives that strengthen long-term participation and leadership opportunities within their communities.

The 2026 United We Row grant recipients are:

Capital Rowing Club (Washington, DC) – Capital Rowing Club will use grant funding to support the relaunch of rowing at Howard University, helping offset startup and operational costs while expanding access to rowing for Howard students and rebuilding a historic HBCU rowing program. 

Chicago Community Sculling (Chicago, IL) - Youth Power 20 – Chicago Community Sculling will use grant funding to hire an additional paid coach and purchase a launch to support expanded summer programming, including on-water rowing, erg training, and swim instruction for youth on Chicago's South and West Sides. 

Dallas United Crew (Dallas, TX) – Dallas United Crew will use grant funding to host a campus-based rowing recruitment event at St. Philip's School, featuring rowing activities, guest speakers, and athlete onboarding to introduce more South Dallas youth to competitive rowing. 

Delta Sculling Center (Stockton, CA) - Youth Power 20 – Delta Sculling Center will use grant funding to expand its Youth Coaching Development Program through coach stipends, certifications, transportation assistance, and outreach efforts that build coaching pathways for youth and young adults in Stockton and the Central Valley. 

East Bay Rowing Club (Oakland, CA) – East Bay Rowing Club will use grant funding to provide transportation and water safety training for Oakland students participating in a new school rowing program, removing one of the largest barriers to participation. 

Lincoln Park Boat Club (Chicago, IL) – Lincoln Park Boat Club will use grant funding to support its adaptive rowing program through coaching stipends, regatta participation, training supplies, transportation, and the purchase of an adaptive-compatible double shell that expands competitive opportunities for athletes with disabilities. 

North Channel Community Rowing (Evanston, IL) - Youth Power 20 – North Channel Community Rowing will use grant funding to support the development of a BIPOC coach into a Head Coach and Program Director role while purchasing a quad to increase participation and racing opportunities for Evanston youth. 

North Star Community Rowing (Minneapolis, MN) – North Star Community Rowing will use grant funding to hire a full-time administrator to coordinate adaptive, veteran, community, and youth rowing programs while supporting future growth and expansion efforts. 

Oakland Strokes (Oakland, CA) – Oakland Strokes will use grant funding to provide transportation for Oakland public school students participating in a new school-connected rowing program, ensuring safe and reliable access to practices and competitions. 

Pennsylvania Athletic Club Rowing Association (Philadelphia, PA) – Pennsylvania Athletic Club Rowing Association will use grant funding to support coaching salaries and outreach efforts that expand access to rowing for youth and adults while growing participation from Philadelphia-area schools without existing rowing programs. 

RIVERSPORT Foundation (Oklahoma City, OK) – RIVERSPORT Foundation will use grant funding to sustain its Warriors veteran rowing program through adaptive equipment replacement, classifier training and certification support, participant safety training, and opportunities for veterans with disabilities to train and compete. 

RowLA (Los Angeles, CA) - Youth Power 20 – RowLA will use grant funding to support its Erg Ed program through coaching stipends, transportation of equipment and participants, and team gear that helps more girls from diverse Los Angeles communities access and experience rowing. 

San Miguel Academy Rowing (Newburgh, NY) – San Miguel Academy Rowing will use grant funding for transportation, equipment maintenance, coaching stipends, and swim and water safety instruction that support one of the nation's largest middle school rowing programs serving low-income youth. 

Texas Rowing Foundation (Austin, TX) – Texas Rowing Foundation will use grant funding to expand adaptive rowing opportunities through coaching support, adaptive equipment, regatta transportation, and athlete uniforms for individuals with disabilities in Central Texas. 

Three Rivers Rowing Association (Pittsburgh, PA) – Three Rivers Rowing Association will use grant funding to launch key elements of its Adaptive Advancement Initiative, including coach certification, adaptive athlete recruitment, equipment, competition travel, and a regional Flip Test Camp.