US Lacrosse, the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse, announced today that the organization has awarded 36 new grants to support lacrosse participation in underrepresented communities. These awards, made through the Diversity & Inclusion Grant Program, will be utilized by local organizations to initiate and continue programs that promote lacrosse diversity.

US Lacrosse believes that broad representation and participation add significant value to the lacrosse experience, and seeks to provide sustained leadership and resources for the growth of the game in all communities. Now in its third year, the D&I Grant Program is providing $87,000 in grants to this year's community partners.

"We're excited to provide these grants to assist committed organizations across the country in making a greater impact for diversity in our sport," said Eboni Preston-Laurent, senior manager for diversity and inclusion at US Lacrosse. "Connecting people that are traditionally outside the lacrosse community is a primary focus for our diversity and inclusion efforts."

The D&I grants range from $1,000 to $7,500, and are awarded in six separate categories: community impact, disability access, girls' initiatives, urban outreach, event support and BRIDGE programs. Three US Lacrosse chapters were also awarded funding to support diversity initiatives. The 36 organizations receiving grants this year represent 22 different states across all regions of the country and the District of Columbia.

Community Impact Grant
FAMU Men's Lacrosse Club–Florida
Long Island Urban Lacrosse Inc.–New [lacrosse]
MW Sharp Shooters–Montana
Stratford Sterling House Youth Lacrosse–Connecticut
13th Girl Foundation–Maryland

Disability Access Grant
Adaptive Lacrosse PA–Pennsylvania
St. Paul Magic–Minnesota
Wheelchair Lacrosse USA–California

Girls' Initiative Grant
Skyway Warriors Girls' Lacrosse–Washington
YMCA of Middletown–New [lacrosse]
Salamanac Sticks–New [lacrosse]
Girls Athletic Leadership Schools–Colorado
Knoxville Police Department–Tennessee

Urban Outreach Grant
Amistad Academy Middle School–Connecticut
City Lacrosse–California
Eric Snow Family YMCA–Ohio
Eyekonz Sports League–Pennsylvania
Grace Leadership Preparatory Institute–Florida
Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center–Delaware
Konawaena Wildcats Lacrosse Club–Hawaii
New Horizons Lacrosse Fund–Texas
Richmond Athletics & Education Bulldogs–Virginia
SacLAX Vision–California
Wilson High School–Washington, D.C.
Youth L.I.F.E. Support Network, LLC–New [lacrosse]

Event Support Grant
Baltimore Urban Lacrosse League–Maryland
Bosse High School–Indiana
The Re-Education Foundation–Pennsylvania
Lacrosse Association for Sports Safety–Florida

BRIDGE Grant
City of Moraine–Ohio
Hoboken Redwings–New Jersey
BlaxLax Inc–Maryland

Chapter Grant
Central Ohio Chapter of US Lacrosse
Kentucky Chapter of US Lacrosse
San Diego Chapter of US Lacrosse