Bessant Grow the Game Grant 2024-28

Funding and Support for Leaders Driving Grassroots Growth

Past Grantees

  • USA Field Hockey Bessant Grow the Game Grant 2024-28

    Supporting & Connecting Leaders • Inspiring Growth

    The USA Field Hockey Bessant Grow the Game Grant supports leaders committed to growing the game at the grassroots level and strengthening a community’s field hockey ecosystem.

    • This is a $200k grant, $50k each year for four years, awarded to leaders committed to growing field hockey at the grassroots level and strengthening a community’s field hockey ecosystem
    • Grantees will receive both financial support, networking opportunities and personalized mentorship based on their stated needs.
    • Grantees can apply for up to $10k in funding  
    • 8 Grantees were awarded in 2026, 9 in 2025 and 12 in 2024
    • The 2027 Grant application window will be open mid- January through mid-March 2027. 

    Thank you to Cathy Bessant and Bank of America for creating and funding this grant!

  • The application window for the USA Field Hockey 2026 Bessant Grow the Game Grant is closed. A total of $50,000 will be distributed in 2027, building on the $150,000 awarded awarded from 2024-2026. The 2027 application will be open mid-January through mid-March 2027.

  • Who Should Apply?

    The USA Field Hockey Bessant Grow the Game Grant is open to all field hockey leaders, including club administrators, coaches, umpires, State Chapters, schools, and others who share USA Field Hockey’s mission to Grow the Game, Serve and Inspire Membership, and Succeed Internationally and are members in good standing of USA Field Hockey. 

    Applicants should be individuals who: 

    • Have a vision to create or strengthen sustainable field hockey programs and ecosystems in their community 
    • Have the drive, energy and initiative to increase hockey opportunities for athletes, coaches, umpires and fans 
    • Can work collaboratively within their community and beyond to develop powerful partnerships for sustainable field hockey growth 
    • Are interested in working with other grantees and mentors to develop and share best practices and expertise with current and future leaders from around the country for the good of the game 

  • Donate to Keep the Grant Going

    Recipients of the grant are given funding and customized mentorship to support and sustain field hockey leadership within the field hockey community. The initial $200k for this grant was provided by Cathy Bessant, supported by the Bank of America Foundation, in 2024 to be awarded in the quadrennial starting after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and ending with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.  

    USA Field Hockey desires to continue the Bessant legacy by extending the grant beyond 2028. Its future is in the hands of our community. Donation to the Bessant Grow the Game Grant are accepted through the USA Field Hockey Foundation and are tax-deductible. Give today to support this important grow the game initiative. 

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  • Grant Committee

    The Bessant Grow the Game Grant Committee exists to create grant criteria, review applications, award grants, and assist with the cohort and mentorship program. 

    Thank you to the following voting members who serve on the Bessant Grow the Game Grant Committee:

    • Rachel Dawson
    • Adam Falla
    • Melissa Gonzalez
    • Miki Osherow
    • Chip Rogers

    Staff Non-Voting Members:

    • Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey's Executive Director
    • Sally Goggin, USA Field Hockey's National Development Director

2026 Grantees 

  • Amanda Abood

    McCall Middle School, Winchester Public Schools

    Massachusetts

  • Garyn Daniels

    Kent Parks & Recreation

    Ohio

  • Michelle Drummond

    Prodigy Field Hockey Club

    Florida

  • Danny Haydon

    New York City Field Hockey Club

    New York

  • Sienna Nelson

    New Castle Boys & Girls Club

    Delaware

  • Amy Robertson

    North Carolina State Chapter

    North Carolina

  • Brittany Romano

    Illinois State Chapter

    Illinois

  • Margi Whittingham

    Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey Club

    Michigan

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