USA Cycling DEI Grants

Program Overview

Objectives:

To increase competitive opportunities and programming for underrepresented riders in cycling.
To support the hiring or training of coaches from diverse backgrounds
To break down financial barriers that prevent aspiring cyclists from accessing the sport.

Grant Awards

USA Cycling is excited to launch the Everyone Rides: Community Impact Grant. Five $1,000 grants will be distributed to USA Cycling clubs and members to support programming, staffing, and to reduce barriers to entry into the sport of cycling.

Program Overview

This grant aims to increase participation opportunities for underrepresented riders in the sport. Five awards of $1,000 will be awarded to assist clubs in delivering programs to underserved communities, supporting the hiring or training of coaches from diverse backgrounds, or breaking down financial barriers for aspiring cyclists who previously lacked access to participate in the sport of cycling.

Objectives:

To increase competitive opportunities and programming for underrepresented riders in cycling.
To support the hiring or training of coaches from diverse backgrounds
To break down financial barriers that prevent aspiring cyclists from accessing the sport.

Program Qualifications

Applicants must have the ability to become a member of USA Cycling.

A portion of the grant may be used to cover the cost of a USA Cycling membership.

Membership Types: Ride, Race, Mechanic, Official, Coach, Race Director

Applicants must identify as a member of a minority group (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, veterans, persons with disabilities).
Applicants must be seeking financial support enabling them to support the grant program objectives.

Review Process and Grant Awards

Application Process Opens: April 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. MDT

Application Process Closes: May 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT

Recipient Notifications: May 24, 2025

2024 Grant Recipients

Handlebars of Hope

The Handlebars of Hope community program aims to empower troubled youth on the US/Mexico border through cycling, providing them with a constructive outlet, promoting physical health, and instilling a sense of community and discipline.

Project Echelon

Project Echelon will use funds to support a mini-grant program, providing veterans with financial need up to $300 to remove barriers to sport. Grants are awarded based on veteran status, engagement in the Project Echelon community, financial need, and alignment with individual SMART goals set in veteran workshops.

The Cycle Effect

The Cycle Effect (TCE) is a Colorado-based nonprofit that mentors young women ages 10-18 from disadvantaged populations, using cycling to promote physical and mental wellbeing. TCE serves athletes who identify as Latina, BIPOC, or low-income, eliminating barriers by providing transportation, bikes, bilingual coaching, and subsidized programming.

Indigo Cycling Chicago

Indigo Cycling Chicago aims to increase competitive opportunities for underrepresented riders on Chicago's south side by organizing local events. Partnering with a local club, they expanded a practice criterium series, offering free entry to FTW participants and $5 entries for juniors.

Mt Hebron Cycling

The Mt. Hebron High School and Patapsco Cycling Club in the Baltimore Metro Area offers an inclusive environment for minority and low-income students to engage in competitive cycling. The program, growing especially among female riders, provides equipment, uniforms, and safety gear to ensure all students can participate in the 2023-24 season.