The Ensign Class Association, in accordance with its stated goal of fostering sailing and sailing competition, has established a program encompassing Sponsorship and Training.   The program is aimed at reducing financial burden incurred by qualified and dedicated youth sailors attending national or international events, sailing seminars, schools or camps.  The Youth Sponsorship Program Committee shall consist of three ECA members as appointed by the Commodore at the Annual Meeting.

Sources of Funding:
*    Directed Donations to the Youth Sponsorship Program.  

*    Surplus from General Operating Fund as granted by action of the Board.

The funds from these sources will be recorded in the Youth Sponsorship Account and will be disbursed only after approval by the Youth Sponsorship Program Committee (YSPC) as directed by the Chairperson.  Signatories for this account shall be the Treasurer or the Commodore. Grants from this account cannot be made in excess of the available account balance and will only be made to regular and associate members of the Ensign Class Association, and their children or grandchildren.  

Disbursement:
Grants from $200 and up will be awarded to help defray the expenses of youth sailors, ages 12 – 30yrs. of age, competing at national and international events, sailing seminars, schools or camps. Applications must be submitted in writing to the ECA Youth Sponsorship Program Committee at least four weeks prior to the national or international event, sailing seminar, school or camp.   They should include the following information:

1. name, address, age and phone number for the applicant,
2. brief personal background (education, profession, etc.),
3. name of national or international event, seminar, school or camp which applicant plans to attend,
4. resume of past sailing and racing activities and achievements,
5. summary of present activities in preparation for national or international event, seminar, school or camp,
6. projected budget for participation in the national or international event, seminar, school or camp, along with summary of other sources of funding (if any) available to applicant from sources such as yacht clubs and/or sponsors,
7. letter from an ECA member,
8. Optional: letters of recommendation from sailing instructors, coaches, etc.

Grants under the above provisions will not cover damage deposits.   

Administration of the Program:
The Youth Sponsorship Program Committee will review all applications for grants.  The amount of funding granted will be based upon the Committee's analysis of the qualifications of the applicant and upon monies available in any given year for distribution through the program.  Final Governing Board approval shall be obtained by the Committee prior to grant award. A written response from the Committee signed by the ECA Commodore will be made to each request upon completion of consideration. 

Grantees will be required to submit to the YSPC a valid registration or receipt from the national or international event, seminar, school or camp along with a report on their experience. Photos would also be appreciated in a high-res format. Grantee gives express permission to allow their report and photos to be published in ECA publications and on the ECA website.

An annual report of all grants (grantee, amount requested, amount granted) awarded during the prior calendar year shall be made to the Governing Board at the winter annual meeting. 

Applications:
All applications and inquiries should be directed to:
Ensign Class Association
P.O. Box 230
La Porte, TX 77572

or

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