UCA Grants

Event Director Grant

Funding creative ideas that make Utah cycling events more exciting, memorable, and welcoming.

The UCA Event Director Grant program exists to help race directors do something special: to fund the kind of creative investments that attract more riders, create memorable experiences, and grow the cycling scene in our region. You might want to welcome brand new racers to the sport. You might have a small but needed improvement to an event. Or, you might have a shoot-for-the-moon big idea – whatever your idea, we'd love to talk it over with you and help bring it to life.

We offer 3 different grants for Event Directors:

  • → First Lap grants (up to $500) — for conducting a structured welcome clinic for a group of first-time racers before their first event. Clinics should run 60–90 minutes and focus on building confidence and skills in a race environment. Examples of eligible expenses include race entry fees for participants, post-clinic refreshments, SWAG bags, etc.
  • → A strong First Lap program has two components: structured skill drills (examples for road races are cornering alone and side by side, braking, contact drills on grass, pacelines, etc.) followed by a guided course preview led by an experienced high-level racer who shares how they read and race the course. The goal is to give new racers the skills and confidence to have a safe, fun first event — and to leave wanting more.
    • →Shift Up grants (up to $500) — for specific, needed enhancements to your event such as adding motorcycle officials, a race announcer and sound system, photographer, fun prizes, or post-ride food that makes riders feel celebrated. Tell us what you need.
    • →Breakaway grants (over $1,000) — for ambitious creative ideas like securing permits for a unique venue, launching a first-time regional championship that draws from surrounding states, or building a multi-event stage race that puts Utah cycling on the map. Let us help bring your idea to life!

    Grant amounts depend on available UCA funds and the number and quality of applications received. The board reviews applications on a rolling basis.

    Have a big idea or not sure which grant fits? Reach out to us first — a quick conversation can save everyone time and help us work together to make your idea a reality.

    Grants may not be used for cash prizes, personal financial gain, or large equipment purchases.

    Your Full Name
    If the event hasn't been scheduled yet, give your best estimate
    Name + city, venue, or general area
    Is this for a new event or an improvement to an existing one?
    What funding tier are you applying for?
    *Be as specific as possible — itemize costs if you can. Examples: motorcycle official ($x), race announcer and soundsystem ($y), post-race food ($z).*
    What will be different or better because of this funding?
    Which goals does this funding support? (check all that apply)
    Dollar amount
    Dollar amount
    Would you prefer funds in advance or as reimbursement after the event?
    Has this event previously received a UCA Event Director Grant?
    What would make this stand out in the Utah cycling calendar? Why would riders travel for this, bring friends, or remember it years later?
    Would a smaller grant still make a difference? What would you adjust?
    If funded, I understand and agree to all of the following: