The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation offers scholarships to sailing school, grants to racing sailors competing in national and international events, and grants to other maritime organizations located in Chicagoland.
Sailing School Scholarships
Grants for Regattas
Grants to Organizations
“In the Beginner 420 class we learned about teamwork, communication, and how to rig the boats. The biggest impact for me is I am now confident in my sailing and can help my friends. Thank you so much for the grant, as I couldn’t have attended the program without it.”—Daniel Stetsyuk, 13, sailing school scholarship recipient
The CYC Foundation provides scholarships to Chicago-area youth for both after-school and summer sailing. 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, May, 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. View Competition Fund grantees and support the Competition Fund.
Competitive sailors interested in applying should contact programs@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org for complete terms and criteria, and how to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are due at least 30 days prior to start of any event for which a Competition Fund grant is sought.
The Foundation offers support to other maritime-related charitable organizations that operate in or have a tie to the Chicagoland area. We will consider applications from organizations that have:
501(c)(3) status
A mission statement clearly indicating support of nautical education, the marine environment, or sail racing activities
An area of operation including some or all of the Chicagoland area
Been in operation for at least one year
For information about how to apply, please contact programs@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org.