SPORTS MATTER

Sports Development Funding Program

The Augusta Sports Council (ASC) accepts funding requests for sporting events that  support the mission of the ASC through recruiting, supporting and attracting sporting events, which will generate significant economic impact spending and overnight stays in the Augusta River Region.  Both the Sports Development and Sports Event Funding program places emphasis on out-of-area visitors generating economic impact, stimulating future event business, growing community exposure and supporting existing events which continue to improve and benefit the quality of life in the Augusta River Region.

 Events that may be considered for event assistance could include, but are not limited to, amateur or professional events, clinics and meetings or other categories approved by the ASC’s Board of Directors.  When awarding funding, the ASC places emphasis on out-of-state/area economic impact through confirmed hotel room nights, community support and image value to the Augusta Metropolitan area. Events with strictly local participation are not eligible for sports event funding support. 

Funding preference will be given to events that accomplish the following:

• Create new direct economic impact

• Add positive marketing exposure for the area

• Introduce new audiences/markets

• Produce off-season room nights

Please click the button below to view the Augusta Sports Council Sports Development Funding Policies and Matrix

Basic Funding Guidelines

• All applications for the Sports Development Funding must meet the minimum room night requirements to be considered.

• All Sports Development Funding Programs will be reviewed by the Augusta Sports Council’s Event Committee and awarded a pre-event value. The pre-event value will be expressed to the applicant via letter that will express that a final amount will be determined once the Augusta Sports Council receives the Post Event report for the event and all the criteria is met in the policies of the program. If criteria is not met, the Events Committee reserves the right to lessen or even eliminate funding to the respective event.

• The Augusta Sports Council Events Committee/Staff will review all Post Event reports. The Post Event report must include an accurate accounting of hotel rooms used for the applicable event. The event has the options to source rooms themselves or working with the Augusta Sports Council staff to source hotel rooms through the ASC software. Either way, they must include an accounting of hotel rooms in the Post Event report. This is to ensure that the event owner does research on hotel room stays even outside any block that is secured. EVERY EVENT THAT APPLIES FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT FUNDING PROCESS MUST ASK/SURVEY ALL PARTICIPANTS THROUGH THEIR REGISTRATION PROCESS WHERE THEY ARE STAYING, HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE INCLUDED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE STAY, HOW MANY NIGHTS AND HOW MANY ROOMS. (This is regardless of whether the stay is at a hotel/motel, Air BNB, or any of lodging.)

• All post event hotel numbers submitted by the applicant will be verified by Augusta Sports Council staff.

• Funding shall be provided as reimbursement for approved actual expenditures upon completion of the event paid after the organization has incurred the expenses and submitted a Post Event report within 30 days of completion of the event. Proof of payment MUST be provided. Funding will not be processed until the Augusta Sports Council’s Events Committee reviews the Post Event report and awards a Post Event value based upon criteria in these policies.

• Application will not be accepted if event has already passed.

• Applicant/organizer must provide Certificates of Insurance listing the ASC as an additional insured at least 30 days prior to event with minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000.

• All Sports Development Funding and Sponsorship awardees must include the ASC logo on promotions and marketing material including, but not limited to, printed material, social media, facility signage (i.e., LED signs), in all media and promotional outlets if agreed upon.

• For the Sports Development and Sports Event funding mechanisms, events whose focus is Richmond County residents are not eligible for funding (community celebrations, etc.)

• Funding requests are on a first-come, first-served basis in relation to ASC’s Sports Development funding budget.

• The ASC Board of Directors, Committees or Staff reserve the right to vote on any awarded amount based on application, material included by applicant, previous Post Event reports, current Post Event report or any other factor as deemed necessary.

How to Apply

Submit your post-event report within 30 days of your event!

If you have questions about event qualifications or the application, please contact Bobby Martin at Bobby@augustasportscouncil.org to discuss your sporting event and support needs. The Augusta Sports Council is open to customizing a partnership that enables a mutually beneficial relationship to ensure that you get the most out of working with the ASC!