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2025 Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant Application

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. This application packet lists the items you will need in order to apply for the grant.

Deadline:

All materials must be received electronically by SHAPE America by June 1 of each year.

Grant funds:

Grants are awarded for up to $1,500 total per year. Applicants may apply for $500 to $1,500. SHAPE America reserves the right to not award any funds in any given year.

Application Procedure:

Please fill out the below application to submit for the Tommy Wilson Grant!

Background

Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife, Irene, established the Tommy Wilson Memorial Award in honor of their youngest son, Tommy, who was born with cerebral palsy and passed away in 1974 at the age of 16. Because of Tommy, Dr. Wilson became involved in recreation for developmentally disabled individuals.

Dr. Wilson was active in the recreation field and, among other leadership responsibilities, served as President of the American Association for Leisure and Recreation (AALR, a predecessor association of AAPAR). He was involved in many projects throughout his life such as pioneering the development of the Waukesha County Wisconsin park system, Milwaukee Public Schools Oak Ridge Farm, as well as the Marquette Helfaer Center and Summerfest. Dr. Wilson was active in outdoor education and camping and founded the Milwaukee Family Camping Association. Toward the end of his career, he assisted with the formation of the Oconomowoc Area Senior Center at Shorehaven.

Dr. Wilson earned his master’s degree from Marquette University and his Ph.D. from Indiana University. He was a widely known innovator, author, and lecturer in outdoor education, community recreation programs for individuals with disabilities, community use of schools, and recreation administration. He was also a pioneer in the field of leisure counseling.

Dr. Wilson passed away in 2002 at the age of 87 and is remembered as a great leader and inspiration in the field of leisure and recreation. His legacy carries on through the Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant.

Instructions

Please read this application packet carefully. Applicants must fulfill all criteria and complete the Application Overview (found below). You must submit all packet material within this application.

The Review and Presentation Process

The awards committee comprised of SHAPE America members and staff reviews all applications. Awards committee members and SHAPE America board members are not eligible to apply for these grants. Awards will be presented tentatively in September. Winners are invited to attend but attendance is not mandatory at the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in the Spring. SHAPE America cannot reimburse attendees’ travel or Convention expenses but we do hope winners will be able to join us.

Grant Award Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:

The program must provide a specific direct service to individuals with disabilities.

The program must focus on recreational pursuits for individuals with disabilities.

The applicant must have a successful record of programming for individuals with disabilities.

The applicant must be a nonprofit organization.

Funds must go directly to supporting individuals with disabilities in recreational activities (e.g., equipment, housing, registration fees, facilities). Grants may not be used to cover administrative costs.

In addition:

Recipients must submit a summary report of funds and activities of the project within 3 months following the project completion or 15 months after the funds are received, whichever is sooner.

Recipients must write a 400-word summary for publication in one or more of SHAPE America’s outlets. You might also be invited to offer a presentation at the SHAPE America Convention.

Applicants may be funded under this grant only once per five-year period.

Priority is given to programs that assist economically disadvantaged or low-income individuals.

Priority is given to programs that have at least one SHAPE America member on staff.

Name of Person Applying for Grant *
Program Name *
Organization Name (if different)
Organization Address *
Phone *
Email *
Designated Recipient (if different from person applying for grant)
Name of SHAPE America member within organization (if applicable)
Funds Requested (Min: $500 - Max: $1,500) *
Number of Program Participants Served Annually *
Length of program(s) *
Ages of Participants Served *
Activities and/or Sports Offered *
Number of Paid Staff *
Number of Unpaid Volunteers *
Does your program provide a specific direct service to individuals with disabilities? *
Yes No
Does your program focus on recreational pursuits for individuals with disabilities? *
Yes No
Does your program have a record of successful programming for individuals with disabilities? If so, for how many years? *
Yes No
If so, for how many years?
Attach a file of your organization's 501c3 or proof of non-profit status *
Will the funds go directly to supporting individuals with disabilities in recreational activities (i.e. equipment, housing, registration fees, facilities; not administrative costs)? *
Yes No
Does your organization assist economically disadvantaged or low-income individuals? If so please explain in your program description. *
Yes No
Describe how you would use the funds and address each of the 5 criteria listed above *
Why do you deserve the Tommy Wilson Grant? *
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