Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program and Michael Erin Busch Fund

The Youth and Amateur Sports Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Sports Office (doing business as the Maryland Sports Commission) within the Maryland Stadium Authority, aims to support the growth and sustainability of youth and amateur sporting events throughout the state of Maryland. The program is funded through the Michael Erin Busch Fund, established via House Bill 1659 during the 2020 legislative session and officially enacted as Chapter 33 in the Acts of 2022. Funding became available starting fiscal year 2022, providing financial support to eligible nonprofit sports rights holders, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and sport tourism-related organizations that host amateur sports competitions in Maryland. The primary purpose of the program is to attract new youth and amateur sporting events to Maryland, while also maintaining and enhancing the quality of recurring sporting tourism events. Events are expected to stimulate the state’s economy through tourism and visitor spending, while also promoting opportunities for youth participation in sports. To qualify, events must demonstrate at least one of several key impacts, including attracting over 750 participants and 1,500 spectators, generating a minimum of $100,000 in out-of-state visitor spending, or producing at least 500 hotel room bookings for one overnight stay. Events must occur entirely within Maryland unless otherwise approved in writing, and they must visibly display the Maryland Sports Commission logo onsite at the event. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations holding tax-exempt status under IRS Sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6). For-profit entities may apply only with a nonprofit partner. Applicants involved in formal bid processes must obtain a letter of support from Maryland Sports. Organizations must also be members or affiliates in good standing with Sports ETA and registered as being in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. County-level applicants must participate in the TEAM Maryland initiative at a minimum base level. Grant awards range from $2,500 to $75,000 per event; higher awards require approval from the Maryland Stadium Authority Board. Grants can fund up to 30% of an event's total budget, with awardees expected to demonstrate other financial support, such as county contributions, private funding, or in-kind services. Allowable uses of grant funds include event hosting expenses like housing for officials, promotions and marketing (including digital and traditional media), bid and sanction fees, venue rentals, equipment rentals, and ceremonial expenses. However, grant funds may not be used for general operating costs, permanent equipment purchases, facility construction or renovation, team travel outside the jurisdiction, or off-site hospitality. Any expenses incurred before the grant award are generally ineligible unless pre-approved and itemized in the budget. The application process requires submission of a complete application with all supporting documents and a proposed budget using the form provided by Maryland Sports. Following selection, grantees must execute a grant agreement designating signatories to receive funds. Funding is disbursed in two parts: 75% upfront upon execution of the agreement, and the remaining 25% after the event, contingent on submission of a Post Event Reimbursement Report. This report must include full financial documentation, event media coverage, and verified data on the event’s economic impact, based on standards provided by Crossroads Consulting, Maryland Sports' economic consultant. There is no fixed annual application window. Instead, funding is awarded on a fiscal year basis from July 1 to June 30. Applications must be submitted prior to the event date, and awards may be made outside of normal rounds in special cases. Applicants are encouraged to submit early and ensure all requirements, including logo placement and documentation, are fulfilled to maintain compliance. The program emphasizes supporting a diverse range of sports, including adaptive sports, and considers geographic and gender diversity in award decisions. Applications for multi-jurisdiction events may receive preferential review.