The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is proud to offer a variety of scholarships and grants to further bring the joys and benefits of boating to all.

Sailing School Scholarships

  • The CYC Foundation provides scholarships to Chicago-area youth for both scholastic and summer sailing programs. Sailing School Scholarships can be applied toward any Chicago-area youth sailing center.

    For many families, these scholarships make it possible for their children to participate in sailing. 

    Scholarship funds are allocated based on demonstrated need to ensure equitable access to these programs for all who apply.

  • Students in need of financial support who want to further develop their skills or participate on a school team. Applications for instructor training and certification are encouraged.

  • Applications are reviewed by the Foundation on a rolling basis for the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons.

    Applicants will be notified of a decision within 30 days of submitting an application.

    For more information please email: Education@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org

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Grants for Regattas: The Competition Fund

  • 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.

  • 1. Grants may be provided for an applicant’s training for and participation in the Olympic Games when, in the opinion of the Competition Fund Committee, the applicant has demonstrated a realistic chance to qualify for the Olympic Games [...]

    2. Grants may be provided for an applicant’s participation in an inter-club invitational event that is nationally recognized. The applicant must be representing a recognized yacht club and it is strongly preferred (but not required) that the yacht club represented pays the entry fee for the event [...]

    3. Grants may be provided for “ranked” applicants under the age of 35, participation in a match race event that is classified as national, continental, or world championship, or is Grade 2 or better that is internationally recognized [...]

    4. Grants may be provided for applicants under the age of 19, participation in a national, continental, or world championship event in a single or double-handed class. However, in this category only, the applicant must establish financial need to the satisfaction of the CFC.

    All grant recipients must demonstrate behavior that reflects the mission of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. As representatives of the Foundation, grantees are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, integrity, inclusion, and respect—both on and off the water. Grantees must conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on CYCF, including refraining from discriminatory behavior, harassment, or illegal activity.

    Reach out to CYCF Executive Director Maggie Shea at maggie.shea@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org with any questions about your application.

Grantees
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Support the Competition Fund

InSPIRE Scholarships

  • Created in 2024, the InSPIRE Post-Secondary Scholarship Program is for Chicagoland high school seniors who have participated in any Chicago Yacht Club Foundation program and are pursuing post-secondary education or training. Funded through a bequest of more than $1 million from longtime CYC member Dr. Jean-Paul Spire, this program offers renewable scholarships to graduating seniors for post-secondary education.

  • Chicagoland seniors who have participated in any CYCF program.

  • Application must be submitted by May 31st, 2026. Applicants will be notified by June 30th, 2026.

    For more information please email: Education@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org

Learn more
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Grants to Organizations

  • 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.

    • Be a registered nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status in operation for at least one year.

    • Operate in some or all of the Chicagoland area.

    • Facilitate programs that align with CYCF’s mission.

    • Provide measurable outcomes that describe services delivered and illustrate the program's impact.

    • Benefit youth from communities underserved by opportunities for outdoor education and recreation, particularly on-the-water experiences.

    • Have a track record of successful program delivery and impact measurement.

    • Collaborate with other organizations or community groups to maximize reach and effectiveness.

    • Agree to engage in mutual promotion of this collaboration and are willing to explore opportunities for continued involvement with future CYCF programs.

    1. Complete the online Grant Application Form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Review and consideration may take up to six weeks.

    2. Execute a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines deliverables and expectations.

    3. Provide an Event Summary Report that describes the measurable outcomes and impacts of the funded activity within 14 days of the program’s completion. Grantees should record and share the following information:

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