Elite Athlete Grant Types

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Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant

After witnessing Morgan Uceny trip and fall during the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Stephen Schwarzman wanted to make sure Morgan had every resource available to make a full recovery. Schwarzman soon realized most Olympic hopefuls do not have the financial support they need to reach their full potential.

Stephen A. Schwarzman grants have changed the lives of hundreds of professional track & field athletes as they train tirelessly to make it to the top. This fund supports athletes recognized for their success on an international level and for being in medal contention at the World Championships or Olympic Games.

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Elite athlete development grant

Funded directly from the USATF Foundation’s Board of Directors, these grants are aimed to assist athletes who have the potential to earn a medal for Team USA with an additional boost of resources, opportunities and support.  Factors such as income, need and character are taken into consideration as our Elite Grant COmmitee progresses through its selection process, along with performance history.

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JUMP TO GLORY GRANT PROGRAM

A new initiative designed to elevate American performances in both the vertical and horizontal jump events on the world stage. The program was conceived by Foundation Board Member and former University of Chicago long jumper, Henry Park.

The Jump to Glory Fund will provide supplemental grants to elite athletes who compete in high jump, long jump, triple jump and pole vault, modeled on the success of the Foundation’s Operation Hammer Sweep, which has contributed to a surge of U.S. medal-winning performances in the hammer throw over the past five years. Like hammer throwers, jump athletes often face limited competitive opportunities and prize money, making additional support essential to their development and training.

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OPERATION HAMMER SWEEP GRANT PROGRAM

An initiative spearheaded by Board Director and 2x Olympian Ken Flax focused on giving top hammer throwers the extra resources needed to accomplish a Team USA podium sweep at a World Championship or Olympic stage.

*Founded in 2022, over 50 grants have been awarded totaling over $345,000 in amounts ranging from $3,000 – $10,000 based upon finishing place.

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Frederick W. Lambert Memorial Grant

Fred Lambert, who passed away in August of 2018, was a discus thrower and shot putter at the University of Michigan during the 1962-65 seasons, a period in which Michigan won three Big 10 Track & Field Championships.

Fred was a native of New Jersey, where he was a multiple state champion in the shot and discus, setting the state record in the discus in 1961. This grant honors his legacy by supporting the next generation of throwing athletes.

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MICHAEL VENNING HAMMER GRANT

Michael Venning was a lifelong fan, athlete and student of the sport of track and field. Michael competed in many disciplines both on the track and in the field. He found his passion for the hammer throw later in life and became an accomplished Masters hammer thrower. Michael regularly threw at the World Masters meet and even made the podium a few times. If Michael wasn’t throwing, you could usually catch him watching a track meet. He was a regular attendee at USATF national, NCAA’s and Olympic Trials.

In his spirit, the Michael Venning Hammer Grant is aimed at helping an aspiring NCAA graduate get their start as a professional and hopefully represent the USA at the highest level of sport.

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DIRK ROHLOFF 800m/1500m GRANT

Since junior high school, Dirk Rohloff was known for his exceptional speed and passion for running. Focusing on the middle distances, he proudly considered himself “a miler.” Dirk ran competitively as an NCAA athlete at UC Davis and maintained his love for the sport throughout his life. He attended USATF National Championships and Olympic Trials events across the country, and he made it a tradition to visit Hayward Field almost every year.

In his spirit, the Dirk Rohloff 800m/1500m Grant aims to help an aspiring NCAA graduate transition into the professional ranks and pursue the opportunity to represent the United States at the highest level of sport.

*Founded in 2026, Abel Teffra was the first grant recipient

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Pitch Johnson Travel Grant

These grants are given in honor of Franklin “Pitch” Johnson, an Olympic 110m hurdler in 1924. Johnson was also the track & field and cross country coach at Drake and Stanford Universities, the Director of the Drake Relays, and a Founder of the National Collegiate Track Coaches Association.

Professional track & field athletes routinely face out-of-pocket travel expenses associated with international competition. These grants help cover those costs so athletes can focus on competing at the highest level.

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John W. James Grant

Mark James & Frias Holding Company made the initial gift of $200,000 to the USATF Foundation in July of 2010 to seed the endowment. The endowment is used to fund elite grants for men and women track athletes in the throwing events.

The hope of creating this fund is to draw awareness and help promote and highlight the throwing events at major competitions. Traditionally these events are under-funded, hence the Foundation has received immense gratitude from the throwing community and throwing grantees.

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READY TO APPLY FOR AN ELITE GRANT?

Learn about all available grant types and start your application today. Applications open each April.