Jul 08, 2025
United We Row
USRowing Awards $80,000 in 2025 United We Row Grants
- USRowing awards $80,000 in grants to 16 rowing clubs, supporting over 400 rowers nationwide and expanding access to the sport.
- More than 130 applications were received, reflecting strong national momentum for inclusion initiatives.
- Grantees represent diverse, impactful programs, including adaptive rowing and LGBTQ+ access, as well as youth development and outreach in underrepresented communities.
USRowing is proud to announce the distribution of $80,000 in 2025 United We Row grants to 16 community rowing organizations across the country. These grants will collectively support programming for over 400 rowers nationwide, advancing the organization’s mission to increase access and inclusion in the sport.
The 2025 application window, which opened in April, received over 130 submissions from clubs and organizations dedicated to breaking down barriers to participation. Thanks in part to the addition of the Youth Power 20 Grant, generously donated by Bill Hudson, the number of funded programs grew from nine in 2024 to 16 in 2025.
Last year’s United We Row funding made a wide-reaching impact—from empowering breast cancer survivors in Chicago, to supporting Para rowing in Georgia, to helping Xavier University of Louisiana launch the first rowing team at a historically black university. Across nine funded organizations, a total of 817 participants were served, including 189 new participants introduced to the sport through expanded outreach and programming. Programs demonstrated strong engagement, with an average retention rate of 78.2% across grantees. Collectively, grantees also raised an additional $199,650 to further support their inclusion efforts, highlighting the grant’s value as a catalyst for future growth.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse and inspiring range of initiatives designed to make rowing more inclusive, accessible, and community-focused.
“Congratulations to the organizations who received a United We Row grant — the pool of 130 applicants was very strong, and we commend the whole group for their commitment, creativity, and impact,” said Jennie Trayes, Chief Community Officer at USRowing. “This year's cohort will have the opportunity to learn from at least one other organization striving to reach the same audience or achieve the same goals, so we're thrilled to expand the group and allow for more networking, idea-sharing, and problem-solving.”
As part of USRowing’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, the organization has pledged $1 million from 2024 to 2028 to support programs that are making a tangible difference in expanding access to rowing across the U.S.
The grantees are as follows:
Baltimore Community Rowing - Youth Power 20 Grant Recipient
Works with young people in Baltimore, Maryland, to expand middle school rowing and increase access to the sport.
Supports LGBTQ+ rowers in Chicago, Illinois, ensuring cost isn’t a barrier to participation.
Evanston Township High School Rowing - Youth Power 20 Grant Recipient
Works with high school students in Evanston, Illinois, to increase participation and create more opportunities for competition.
Introduces young people in Detroit, Michigan, to rowing and promotes health through nutrition education.
Provides adaptive rowing opportunities for athletes in Chicago, Illinois.
Engages youth from Milwaukee neighborhoods through its STEM to Stern program, combining rowing, swimming, and STEM learning.
Supports middle and high school rowers in Providence, Rhode Island, helping them continue rowing and compete at higher levels.
North Channel Community Rowing - Youth Power 20 Grant Recipient
Works with underrepresented middle school rowers in Evanston, Illinois, to create competitive opportunities and community support.
Otay Rowing Community Alliance - Youth Power 20 Grant Recipient
Supports athletes of color in Chula Vista, California, by helping them access competitive rowing opportunities.
Expands adaptive rowing opportunities in Seattle in partnership with Seize the Oar.
Princeton National Rowing Association
Brings rowing to students in Trenton, New Jersey, through school-based programs.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Supports deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes in their adaptive rowing program.
Works with girls in Los Angeles to introduce them to rowing and expand access through scholarships and school programs.
Supports middle school students in Arlington, Virginia, and improves access to the Anacostia Boat House.
Provides adaptive and veteran rowing opportunities in Buffalo, New York.
Wilmington Youth Rowing Association
Supports young athletes in Wilmington, Delaware, with transportation, academic support, and access to rowing.
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.
To support United We Row, donate today, sign the pledge, and sign up for the newsletter.
