Not at all! Applicants can be (and most will be) unincorporated with no business registration required.

Absolutely. If you are awarded the grant, you will then need to purchase coverage and show proof of insurance (e.g. a receipt or certificate of insurance which is provided at the time of purchase) to receive the grant funds.

Sports and fitness insurance policies can be purchased online from various providers. Several fitness certification organizations recommend Next Insurance. A policy can be purchased online in minutes and paid monthly for around $15/month.

Applicants should be educated and trained by an experienced and credentialed program or provider. In the application, please provide whatever information will help convey this.

A minimum of 4 months group teaching experience, where at least a few classes are taught each month. The classes can occur through an employer (i.e., studio, gym), within a training program (as an apprentice instructor), or independently (i.e., teaching on your own whether or not you charge for the class).

No. This grant can be awarded for a class already in progress or a class that hasn’t yet begun. You only need to have the details planned out, and a confirmed location where you’re approved to teach.

This grant supports classes where instructors are trained to actively teach and coach participants through an activity. E.g. group exercise, strength training, pilates, yoga, and dance. Generally, this does not apply to activities like walking, running, hiking, or biking. But if you think your circumstances are eligible, please contact us!

No. The classes can be limited in size but must accommodate at least 4 people.

Absolutely. We’d like to know the approximate timeframe you’re considering. Then you can provide an update when details are confirmed, or if you make any changes while the class is running. Please just follow the requirements that the class begins within 3 months of receiving the grant funds, and be offered at least 8 times.

Nope. The frequency of your class is your choice.

No. We want to provide flexibility that gives you time to schedule the classes at the frequency you feel is best, and adapt to any unexpected circumstances or changes you may need to make.

You can consider many types of locations, depending on what works best for you and your community. Some spaces you may be able to secure without cost include: parks, libraries, rec centers, religious halls/community spaces, and retail businesses. If it aligns with the community you’re serving, you may also consider private spaces such as housing communities, healthcare facilities, corporate businesses, senior centers, etc. Or you may arrange with a studio or gym to offer your class in their facility or in partnership with their business.

Yes! We just ask that you notify us of any changes.

Not exclusively. The class must be offered in-person at a location in Philadelphia County or the Philadelphia Metropolitan area. However, live streaming can be used as a supplement or weather/safety contingency plan.

Your class must be centered around serving adults 18 years or older. Family-friendly classes that include teenagers or kids accompanying adults are eligible if appropriate to the class design and environment.

Pricing is completely at your discretion. Some options could include but are not limited to: offer some or all of the classes for free, suggest donations, offer a sliding scale or tiered pricing, or set a specific price.

Applications can be submitted at any time, and are reviewed at the end of each month. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by the end of the next month. For example, applications received in August will be notified by September 30th.

In your congratulations email we’ll take you through the process to receive your funds, and outline the support you'll receive from our team and professional community!

We'll disperse the funds within 14 calendar days after receiving your proof of insurance and signed recipient agreement (sent in your congratulations email).

The money is your own compensation for teaching, regardless of whether you receive additional payments from clients. Whether you choose to spend it on something related to your class or retain it as personal income is entirely your choice.

Yes! But not through the same application. Grantees are eligible to apply for an Extension Grant after completing their 8+ classes and Grant Recipient Report. The link for this application is shared directly with all Grantees.

For applicants not selected, we will provide directional feedback as to why. I.e. if an eligibility requirement wasn’t met, if any responses could be strengthened, or if we had more strong applicants than grants and we hope you reapply!

Yes! Please reapply anytime. NOTE: After submitting your application, a completed copy will be emailed to you, and is available for PDF download on the final Thank You page. You may want to save this copy to reference in the event you apply again.