The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation offers scholarships to sailing school, grants to racing sailors competing in national and international events, postsecondary scholarships for CYCF alumnae/i, and grants to other maritime organizations located in Chicagoland.
Sailing School Scholarships
Grants for Regattas: The Competition Fund
Grants to Organizations
InSPIRE Scholarships
The CYC Foundation provides scholarships to Chicago-area youth for both after-school and summer sailing programs. Sailing School Scholarships can be applied toward any Chicago-area youth sailing program. These programs help participants develop an appreciation for the lake and teach them how them how to sail, learn to work together as a team, and support each other. Students in need of financial support who have completed our Adventure Boating program or have prior experience in sailing and want to further develop their skills are encouraged to apply. For many families, these scholarships and grants make a big difference in providing the opportunity for their children to participate. Scholarship funds are allocated based on demonstrated need to ensure equitable access to these programs for all who apply. Youth sailors wishing to apply for Sailing School Scholarships can apply by filling out this form. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Foundation in February, April, August, and November. For more information please email: grants@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org
The Foundation's Competition Fund enables the awarding of grants to support applicants’ training for and participation in prestigious national and international sailing competitions, such as the Olympics, inter-club invitational events that are nationally recognized, match races ranked as Grade 2 or better that are internationally recognized, or (for participants under age 19 who demonstrate financial need) national, continental, or world championship events in a single or double-handed class. Applicants must have substantial contact to the Chicago area.
View complete criteria and access the grant application. Reach out to CYCF Executive Director Maggie Shea at maggie.shea@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org with any questions about your application.
Sign up to receive Competition Fund Race Alerts every time one of our grantees competes.
New in 2024, this scholarship program is for Chicagoland high school seniors who have participated in any Foundation initiative. Funded through a bequest of more than $1 million from longtime CYC member Dr. Jean-Paul Spire, this program will offer scholarships for graduating seniors entering college, junior college, or trade school. The inaugural scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, were awarded in May 2024.
Read more, and see a list of the 2024 scholarship recipients, here.
The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that provide Chicago youth access to or education about water-based activities like boating, swimming, and other water sports. We will assess how closely your program aligns with CYCF’s mission and the cost-effectiveness of achieving our collective intended impact.
Learn more about our grant process, including eligibility, our funding priorities, and how to apply.