Reducing Barriers. Building Self-Sustaining Athletes.
Grove Athlete Development serves Utah's youth and collegiate mountain bike community through individual athlete awards that reduce financial barriers to competition, and team development programs that provide structured training, skills development, and educational opportunities to athletes across the state.
Two Complementary Functions
Grove Athlete Development exists to keep talented young riders on the trail, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. We do that in two ways: direct scholarship awards to individual athletes, and structured team development programming delivered in partnership with local NICA-affiliated teams.
Just as importantly, GAD seeks to cultivate athletes who actively pursue their own sponsorship relationships and work toward long-term financial self-sustainability in their athletic careers — a mindset and skill set that serves them well beyond their competitive years.
-
01
Individual Athlete Awards
Tiered scholarships of $2,000, $5,000, or $10,000 that offset the real cost of competing.
-
02
Team Development Programs
Training camps, skills clinics, wellness workshops, and trail stewardship activities for Utah teams.
-
03
Self-Sustainability
Encouraging athletes to build sponsorship relationships that support their career long after any single award.
How Self-Sponsorship Works
Grove Athlete Development encourages athletes to actively pursue their own sponsorship relationships as part of their development as competitive athletes. Because GAD is a registered 501(c)(3), it can serve as the charitable vehicle for that support.
Build the relationship
The athlete reaches out to local bike shops, businesses, family friends, or community members willing to support their season.
Sponsor gives through GAD
Instead of paying the family directly, the supporter makes a charitable donation to Grove Athlete Development — a registered 501(c)(3) — in support of the athlete's season.
Funding is documented
GAD provides written verification of funds received, which the athlete submits with their application as proof of self-sourced sponsorship.
It strengthens your application
Verified sponsorship is weighted favorably in evaluation and may support placement in a higher award tier.
| Verified sponsorship | Effect on your application |
|---|---|
| $2,000+ | Considered favorably in tier placement; weighted as a strong indicator of commitment and initiative. |
| $5,000+ | Weighted more heavily and may support placement in a higher award tier. |
| $10,000+ | Reflects an exceptional level of self-sufficiency and is weighted significantly in evaluation and tier determination. |
Good to know: Sponsorship funds must be received and verifiable prior to the award decision — a bank statement, deposit confirmation, or written verification from the sponsor is required. Commitment letters or unfunded pledges are not considered. Donations to GAD are administered at the discretion of the board consistent with its charitable mission; supporters should consult their own tax advisor regarding the deductibility of a contribution.
What the Scholarship Can Cover
Award funds may be applied to any reasonable, documented expense directly associated with an athlete's approved competitive season.
Race & travel costs
Entry fees, travel, and lodging tied to an approved event.
Equipment & coaching
Gear, structured coaching fees, and training camp enrollment.
Associated medical costs
Reasonable medical expenses tied to the competitive season.
Athlete meal allowance
Up to $50/day for the athlete on each day of an approved event, including travel days.
Parent/guardian travel (minors)
Reasonable transportation and lodging for one accompanying parent or guardian.
Accompanying adult meals (minors)
A separate $50/day meal allowance for the accompanying parent or guardian.
Total reimbursable expenses may not exceed the athlete's awarded tier amount per calendar year, and all expenses must be reasonable, customary, and supported by receipts. Full documentation requirements are listed on the Eligibility & Apply page.
Expanding Who Gets to Compete
Grove Athlete Development is committed to expanding access to competitive mountain biking for athletes who face additional barriers to participation. The following groups receive additional favorable weighting when comparing otherwise similarly situated applicants. Self-identification is voluntary and treated with discretion.
Girls & women in cycling
In recognition of their historic underrepresentation in the sport.
Racial & ethnic minority athletes
Athletes underrepresented in competitive mountain biking.
Lower-income households
Where financial barriers to participation are most acute.
Programming Beyond the Individual Award
GAD facilitates team development programming for Utah youth and collegiate mountain bike athletes — training camps, skills clinics, nutrition and wellness workshops, mental performance education, and trail stewardship activities.
Local Teams Organize
Programs are open to any local NICA-affiliated team that undertakes to organize an event.
Donation-Funded
Funded through general operating funds and donations, treated as unrestricted funds allocated at board discretion.
Safety & Standards
Organizing teams ensure qualified coaching, a safe environment, and alignment with GAD's mission and values.
See if you're eligible
Review the full eligibility criteria, evaluation process, and application requirements.