how to apply for THE JAM FUND GRANT
Each year, the JAM Fund provides grants to developing cyclists who demonstrate a commitment to the sport and show enthusiasm to be their best on and off the bike. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply so we can help support your dreams. The JAM Fund Grant comes in the form of financial support and/or equipment and may also include professional training. Cyclists between the age of 12 and 28 may apply.
In some cases, grant recipients move through the ranks of our program and work toward joining our fully-supported JAM Fund Cycling Team. Grant applicants are not required to race. They just need to love bikes or really want to try one. JAM Fund has supported more than 200 cyclists over the years. Grant recipients are formally announced during a special presentation at our July Grand Fundo, and recipients are required to attend. Recipients and their family will gain free entry to the event. We thank our donors and supporters that allow us to have such a successful development program. See the list of past grant recipients here.
JAM Fund GRANT Process In FOUR phases
1. Apply for a JAM Fund Grant
If you are between the age of 12 to 28 and love riding or racing your bicycle, then we encourage you to apply for our grant by filling out the JAM Fund Grant Online Application. Since we are located in the Massachusetts Pioneer Valley, we give priority to cyclists in our surrounding area.
2. Join the NORTHAMPTON CYCLING CLUB
The JAM Fund encourages all grant applicants to join our partner and longtime supporter, the Northampton Cycling Club. The NCC offers racer rewards that qualifies you for even more financial support. Our grants are meant to be a supplement to a good club structure. In the JAM/NCC network, you'll get some of the best mentoring in the U.S., and be encouraged to train with our team members.
3. SELECTION TO the JAM FUND TEAM
After you received a JAM Fund Grant and continue to prove yourself dedicated to racing cyclocross and volunteering your time in the NCC and greater cycling community, you may be selected to the JAM Fund Development Team. Riders in the development pipeline are invited to local and national events based on progression and available transportation. Elite riders who are committed to becoming professional cyclocross racers are selected for JAM's professional track each cross season, and very strong preference is given to riders who are NCC members and former grant winners.
4. Join the Professional Ranks
Once you've cut your teeth as a member of the JAM Fund Cycling Team, and you've proven yourself to be an exceptional racer and an even better member of the cycling community, the JAM Fund will help get you noticed and potentially placed in a professional cycling team.
commonly asked QUestions
Who is eligible for a grant?
Cycling enthusiasts between 12 and 28 years old may apply for a JAM Fund Grant.
There are no USAC category requirements, and racers of all abilities are encouraged to apply.
We are a regional program, so priority is given to athletes in our geographic area.
How do I increase my chances of receiving a JAM Fund Grant?
It is essential that the applicant sees the value in our work. We are proud of our mentoring program and volunteerism. In your application, tell us if you’ve done any of the things:
We want riders who wish to learn from our recent JAM Fund Team grads.
We want riders who have a vision to grow the sport and promote events in their own hometowns.
We want riders willing to volunteer at community events, especially those who are willing to get their hands dirty to make the cyclocross scene better-- stomp in a few thousand stakes, wrap course tape, stand at a course crossing for a few hours in the rain-- and do the hard parts that create an unforgettable experience for other people.
When will I know if I received a JAM Fund Grant?
JAM Fund Grants are announced each summer and presented at our annual Grand Fundo ride. You must be present at the event to receive your grant. Helping out with the Fundo is strongly encouraged. The Grand Fundo is the JAM Fund’s signature event and a major source of the team’s fundraising.
What if I don’t get a JAM Fund Grant?
If you don’t get a JAM Fund Grant this year, we encourage you to join and volunteer with our longtime partners the Northampton Cycling Club and apply again next year. There are many enriching events over the season that will help with rider development. The JAM Fund holds several events and group rides with the NCC.
How and when do I apply?
Fill out the online JAM Grant Application. We accept applications in spring. Recipients will be contacted well before the Fundo.