Fact Sheet
Due to high increases in applicants and limited funding, the Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund has had to make significant changes to its application and admissions process. Beginning Fall 2011, Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund will evaluate applications on a Rolling Admissions basis. Only the FIRST eighty (80) completed applications will be reviewed. Once we have received 80 applications, we will not be accepting any additional applications. Please be sure to carefully review all directions on the application as our requirements and procedure have changed.
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. The Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund was established in 1996.
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 after-school sports programs offered at Chelsea Piers and throughout New York City (e.g. competitive gymnastics team, instructional classes in ice skating, golf, ice hockey, gymnastics, 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. CPSF provides approximately 300 scholarships annually to deserving children.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The CPSF Board of Directors identifies deserving scholarship recipients in two ways:
- CPSF has worked with local community-based organizations such as The Fresh Air Fund, Big Brother & Big Sisters, Figure Skating in Harlem, Sanctuary for Families, Harlem Children's Zone, Promise Academy, New Alternatives for Children, P.S. 11, Link Community School, Bellevue Hospital, Room to Grow, PlaySmart, New Heights and Fulton Youth of the Future to select students within their programs to attend 1-2 weeks of summer camp.
- CPSF accepts individual applications from families for camp scholarships and program scholarships throughout the year.
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 enabled thousands of children to learn and grow through sports for the past fifteen years. As part of its 10th Anniversary Celebration, Chelsea Piers L.P. made a $500,000 pledge to the Scholarship Fund. In addition, Chelsea Piers Management provides a 20% discount on all CPSF sponsored programs and provides critical administrative assistance free of charge. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the money raised for the Scholarship Fund goes directly to families in need. In 2011, the Scholarship Fund awarded approximately $185,000 in scholarships.
2011-2012 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. Over the past 5 years the number of applicants for CPSF Scholarships has more than doubled. Now more than ever we need the support of those organizations in our community committed to bettering the lives of New York City children.
