Fact Sheet

MISSION

The Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund ("CPSF") is committed to providing New York City children in need with the opportunity to experience the enormous benefits and enjoyment of participation in athletics. We believe structured sports help children gain self-confidence and self-esteem, develop social skills, learn sportsmanship and teamwork, set and achieve goals, and learn from positive role models. We believe that all children, regardless of their family's financial situation, should be given this opportunity to learn and grow through sports.

The Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund is a not-for-profit fund established and administered by an independent group of volunteers. The Scholarship Fund is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and all donations are tax deductible in the manner prescribed by law.

GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS

Monies raised through the Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund are used to provide partial and full scholarships to the Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp and other after-school sports programs offered at Chelsea Piers and throughout New York City (e.g. competitive gymnastics team, instructional classes in gymnastics, ice skating, golf, ice hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, youth leagues). In addition, the Scholarship Fund provides funding for talented athletes to compete in local, state and national competitions when appropriate and provides grants to other like-minded community organizations. Since 1996, CPSF has provided 1,000 children with athletic grants. In total, the Fund has awarded close to $1 million in grants. In 2008, CPSF provided over 270 children with valuable athletic experiences.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

The CPSF Board of Directors identifies deserving scholarship recipients in two ways:

  1. CPSF works with local community-based organizations such as The Fresh Air Fund, Figure Skating in Harlem, Cornelia Connelly Center, New Alternatives for Children, P.S.11, Link Community School, Bellevue Hospital, Room to Grow, New Heights and Fulton Youth of the Future to select students within their programs to attend 1-4 weeks of summer camp.
  2. CPSF accepts individual applications from families for camp scholarships and program scholarships throughout the year. All awards are based on financial need. Each applicant must complete a lengthy application, which includes written statements, financial documentation and school report cards. The CPSF Grant Committee reviews each application and makes all final grant decisions.

FUNDRAISING

All funding for the Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund is made through voluntary contributions. Chelsea Piers L.P. made a founding grant to the Scholarship Fund in 1996, which has enabled hundreds of children to learn and grow through sports for the past ten years. As part of its 10th Anniversary Celebration, Chelsea Piers L.P. made a $500,000 pledge to the Scholarship Fund payable over 10 years. In addition, Chelsea Piers Management provides a 20% discount on all CPSF sponsored programs and provides critical administrative assistance free of charge. CPSF hosts fundraising events throughout the year and solicits contributions from those individuals who supports the Fund's mission. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the money raised for the Scholarship Fund goes directly to families in need. In 2008, the Scholarship Fund awarded approximately $175,000 in scholarships.

2009-2010 GOALS

In order to continue to provide these important athletic opportunities, the Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund seeks contributions from like-minded individuals and corporations who have a keen understanding of the positive role athletics and team sports may play in a child’s development.

In 2009, the Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund aims to raise $200,000, which would allow the Fund to support the athletic dreams of 300 deserving children.