Bessant Grow the Game Grant 2024-28
Funding and Support for Leaders Driving Grassroots Growth
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
- 12 Grantees were awarded in 2024
- The 2025 Grant application window is open from January 6 to March 15, 2025
Thank you to Cathy Bessant and Bank of America for creating and funding this grant!
Look for more information about 2026 and 2027 Grant Application windows in late 2025.
The USA Field Hockey 2025 Bessant Grow the Game Grant application will open on January 6, 2025 and close on March 15, 2025.
Thank you for sharing your passion for the sport and for growing the game.
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
Donate Today, opens in a new tabRecipients 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.
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 in 2025:
- Rachel Dawson
- 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
2024 Grantees#
Brandi Alexander
Upper Palmetto FHC
North Carolina
Zoe Almquist
Davidson FHC
North Carolina
Alison Dempsey
Medway Youth FHC
Massachusetts
Veronica Gonzalez
Warrior Youth FHC
Massachusetts
Elizabeth Hiti
Atlanta FHC
Georgia
Graeme Jackson
DC Dragons FHC
Washington, D.C.
Hannah Jameson
Peak FHC
Colorado
Gracie Kiser & Ryan Kingery
YMCA of Greater Louisville
Kentucky
Sharon Sarsen
Hudson Valley FHC
New York
Jordy Smerchek
Arrowhead HS
Wisconsin
Michele Van de Braak
San Francisco Youth FHC
California
Alexander Vann
John Paul the Great Catholic HS
Virginia