Park Operations Grant

Program Description

The Orange Bowl Youth Football and Cheer (OBYFC) Grant Program is administered by the Orange Bowl Youth Sports (OBYS) and is designed to provide the opportunity for all youth football and cheer programs throughout South Florida to receive funding based on demonstrated financial need.


Eligibility for Grant

Each park must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the OBYFC Grant Program:

1. Provide proof of annual insurance active prior to the start of the season.

2. Provide documentation of demonstrated financial need for funding (as described below)

3. Be legally designated as a nonprofit organization and in good standing (501c3 organization or Tax-Exempt by the state)

a. Grants will NOT be awarded to individuals or parks that are for-profit organizations

4. Ensure that all programming and activities supported by OBYFC grants provide equal access to both cheer and football programs and provide services that do not discriminate based on age, color, gender, handicap, national origin, race or religion.

5. Preference will be given to those who participate in OBYFC Program (i.e. Free Youth Football Clinics, Free Youth Cheer Clinics, Park of the Week Celebrations, Cheer Championships)


Grant Application Requirements

Each park must submit the following package of documents electronically through the Orange Bowl Website no later than Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

1. COI ensuring park has had insurance prior to the start of the season

2. A copy of the park’s IRS Determination Letter evidencing its not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) status (if you are using another organizations IRS Determination Letter, we must have a letter from the organization stating that you have permission to use their 501 (c)(3) status); or your consumer certificate of exemption evidencing your Tax-Exempt status with the state of Florida.

3. An official copy of the park’s Operational Budget to include Football and Cheer (if applicable), including an itemized breakdown of all revenues and expenses.

4. A copy of the park’s concussion and safety protocols and hydration policy.

Late and/or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.


Grant Award Notification & Distribution of Funds

All OBYFC Grant applications are carefully reviewed. Due to the volume of applications received and the review process, please allow a minimum of 30 days after the application deadline for final grant recipients to be determined.

Upon approval, a grant award notification will be sent to the Grant Contact email address provided in the application. OBYS is not responsible for incorrect or invalid email addresses or for messages delivered to junk or spam folders. Applicants are encouraged to add yflkids@orangebowl.org to their safe senders list to ensure receipt of important grant communications.

Prior to receiving grant funds, approved grantees will be asked to submit:

1. Bank Verification Letter on the financial institution’s letterhead verifying the park/program’s banking information, addressed to the Orange Bowl, including the financial institution name, ABA/routing number, account number, bank address, account name, and bank representative’s signature and date.

2. Completed and signed ACH Authorization Form for electronic payment. This account MUST match the one provided in the Bank Verification Letter

Grant Reporting Requirements

All grantees will be required to submit a grant reporting form within 30 days after receiving grant funds. Failure to submit this form and requested documentation will preclude your organization from receiving grant funds in the future. The link to the grant reporting form is: https://forms.gle/wbAuBmyCuTusfRgN9

Marketing & Community Engagement Requirements

By submitting and signing this application and accepting grant funds, the recipient organization acknowledges and agrees to fulfill the following Orange Bowl marketing, recognition and community engagement requirements throughout the applicable season. These requirements are intended to recognize the Orange Bowl’s investment in youth sports and strengthen awareness of Orange Bowl programs and initiatives throughout the South Florida community.

Orange Bowl Branding & Recognition

· Display the Orange Bowl logo on the organization/league website, if applicable, with a link to the Orange Bowl website.

· Display an Orange Bowl-provided banner at each designated home field throughout the season.

· Use Orange Bowl branding in accordance with the guidelines and materials provided in the Orange Bowl Marketing Kit.

Social Media & Digital Promotion

· Publish one (1) social media post announcing the organization’s Orange Bowl grant award.

· Publish a minimum of two (2) in-season posts recognizing and tagging the Orange Bowl.

· Publish one (1) end-of-season post thanking and recognizing the Orange Bowl for its support.

· Share or promote designated Orange Bowl events, programs and community initiatives when requested, including but not limited to youth football and cheer clinics, community events, the Orange Bowl Cheer Championships and other applicable Orange Bowl programming.

Community Engagement

· Participate in select Orange Bowl events and initiatives when requested and applicable to the organization, including but not limited to the Orange Bowl Cheer Championships, youth football and cheer clinics, community events and other youth sports initiatives.

· Assist in communicating applicable Orange Bowl opportunities and events to athletes, coaches, parents and families within the organization.

Marketing Support

The Orange Bowl will provide grant recipients with a Marketing Kit containing approved logos, graphics, social media assets, suggested messaging and other materials to assist organizations in fulfilling these requirements.

Acceptance of Orange Bowl grant funding constitutes the recipient organization’s commitment to fulfilling these requirements. Failure to meet the agreed-upon marketing and community engagement requirements may be considered when evaluating the organization’s eligibility for future Orange Bowl grant funding.


Allowable & Disallowable Expenses

While it is the intent of the OBC to assist in the development and growth of the OBYFA and its programming, grants funds cannot be utilized to cover certain categories of expenses. Prior to completing the Grant Application Form, please review the following allowable and disallowable expenses:


I. Allowable Expenses *

1. Concession stands equipment
2. Referees
3. Medical and Safety Staff (i.e. Trainers, EMT)
4. Field rentals (For game or practice use only)
5. Park insurance
6. Compliance (i.e. background checks, notary services, coach certifications)

II. Disallowable Expenses

1. General and Administrative Costs
2. Awards & Trophies
3. Personnel (i.e. coaches, league administrators, team parents, equipment managers)
4. Transportation
5. Hospitality or Social functions

* All Grant Applications must include sufficient documentation (e.g. invoice, quotes) to support the funding request.

I certify that all information provided in this Grant Application, including all related attachments and supporting documentation, is true, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

I understand and acknowledge that OBYFC Park Operations Grant funds may only be used for approved allowable expenses and may not be used for general and administrative costs; awards or trophies; personnel, including coaches, league administrators, team parents or equipment managers; transportation; hospitality or social functions; or any other expense not approved by the OBYS.

If awarded funding, I agree to use all grant funds solely for the purposes approved in the grant award and to maintain and provide, upon request, appropriate documentation demonstrating the use of grant funds, including receipts, invoices and/or proof of payment.

I further certify that all activities supported by OBYFC Grant funds will provide equal access and equal opportunity in employment and services and will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or any other status protected by applicable law.

By checking this box and accepting grant funds, I acknowledge and agree to comply with all OBYFC Grant requirements, terms and conditions.