William E. Simon Olympic Endowment
*Simon Olympic Endowment Applications are due by October 4, 2010*
Application can be dowloaded by clicking the "2010 Simon Olympic Endowment Application" link on the right-hand side of this page.
What is the William E. Simon Olympic Endowment for the Support of Athletes?
The William E. Simon Olympic Endowment for the Support of Athletes was established in 1998 by Mr. William E. Simon, Sr., former U.S. Olympic Committee President and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Grants for training and competition are awarded to athletes showing financial need. By creating this fund, Mr. Simon recognized the importance and many personal benefits of participating in sports.
How is the endowment administered?
Applications are distributed and processed by the USOC's Sport Partnerships and Paralympic Divisions. General responsibility for management of the endowment, including all award decisions, resides with a
Board of Trustees. Awards are made once a year.
What can the grant be used for?
Grants are intended for training and competition expenses.
Are the grants sufficient to pay all training and competition costs?
Because training and competition costs vary widely, these grants are intended to provide only partial support.
Can grants be received more than once?
While this is possible, multiple grants to a single individual would be rare. The Trustees would like to help as many athletes as possible.
Who is eligible?
General athlete eligibility requirements
- U.S. Citizenship
- Currently in training and competition
- Demonstrated financial need in order to continue training
Preference will be given to athletes who receive minimal or no support from the USOC, U.S. Paralympics or sport national governing body.
What are the chances of receiving a grant?
The chances of receiving a grant depend on the number of applications; however, the Trustees have complete discretion in selecting grant recipients and award amounts.
If a grant is awarded, how much can an athlete expect to receive?
The endowment does not have a set grant amount. The endowment funds are invested, and a portion of the interest is used for awards. Amounts will vary depending on available funds in a given year, the number of qualified applicants, and the meritorious circumstances of a particular applicant.
How does an athlete apply?
Athletes must complete the attached application and submit it with the following:
- A personal essay of up to three typed, double spaced pages
- Two letters of recommendation
Additionally, athletes may submit supporting documents such as newspaper articles, statistics and other pertinent information.
What should be included in the essay?
The essay should address why the athlete is a worthy grant recipient. In particular the athlete should explain:
- His or her background in the sport, including competition results
- Financial need/circumstances affecting the athlete's ability to train and compete
- How this grant, if awarded, would "make a difference"
- What it means to be able to practice/participate in the chosen sport
Who should write the letters of recommendation?
This is entirely up to the athlete but teachers, counselors, coaches, and employers are good choices since they can usually comment on overall character, achievement, and promise. The recommendation letters must contain the name, address, and telephone number of the writer and may be emailed or sent via hardcopy and must arrive by the application deadline.
How much does it cost to apply and what is the deadline?
There is no charge to apply for this grant. Completed applications, including letters of recommendation, must be received by close of business on November 13. Decisions are made annually. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as it is not always possible to verify receipt of application in time for the deadline.
When will applicants be notified?
Applicants will be notified of the award decision after the Trustees meet in late fall. We anticipate that decisions will be finalized by January.
Terms and Conditions of Grant
An award will be paid in two installments. If selected, the applicant will receive half of the award with a notification letter. In addition to an acknowledgement to the Trustees, the athlete will be asked to complete a progress form later in the grant year, describing achievements in training and competition before the second payment will be processed.
Where should completed applications be sent?
E-mail: simon.grant@usoc.org
Mailing address:
William E. Simon Olympic Endowment
c/o U.S. Paralympics
United States Olympic Committee
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
FAX 719-866-4957
Please email any questions to Jamie Martin.
