Programs
Five programs that remove every barrier to golf — from clubs and green fees to coaching and wellness. Each with a clear budget, funding model, and measurable outcomes.
Program Overview
Youth Golf Development
Building the next generation of Indigenous golfers
Elder Golf Access
Honoring elders through the game
Equipment Provision
No one turned away for lack of clubs
Green Fee Coverage
Open the gates to the course
Wellness Through Golf
Healing through movement and nature
Youth Golf Development
Building the next generation of Indigenous golfers
What It Is
Structured golf instruction and mentorship for Indigenous youth ages 8-18, delivered through seasonal programs at partner courses.
Who It Serves
Indigenous youth from tribal communities and urban Native populations who lack access to golf facilities, coaching, and equipment.
Why It Matters
Golf teaches patience, integrity, and self-discipline — values aligned with Indigenous traditions. Early exposure creates lifelong players and opens scholarship pathways.
What Participants Receive
Annual Budget (Year 2)
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Instruction fees (2 coaches x 16 weeks) | $4,800 |
| Course access & range fees | $2,400 |
| Youth equipment (loaner sets) | $1,600 |
| Tournament entry fees | $800 |
| Snacks, water, materials | $400 |
| Total | $10,000 |
Funding Sources
- ▶ Sponsor allocations (Eagle + Albatross tiers)
- ▶ Monthly giving program
- ▶ Grant funding (First Tee model)
Staffing
1 Program Coordinator (part-time), 2 PGA-track instructors (contract)
Implementation Timeline
Recruit youth, secure coaching contracts
Spring season (8 weeks), end-of-season showcase
Summer golf camps at partner courses
Fall season (8 weeks), annual awards
Success Metrics
Elder Golf Access
Honoring elders through the game
What It Is
Year-round golf access for Indigenous elders (55+), covering green fees, cart rentals, and social golf outings at partner courses.
Who It Serves
Indigenous elders who played golf earlier in life or want to start, but face financial or accessibility barriers.
Why It Matters
Elders are knowledge keepers. Golf provides low-impact exercise, social connection, and mental stimulation — critical for healthy aging in tribal communities.
What Participants Receive
Annual Budget (Year 2)
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Green fees (24 elders x 24 rounds x $25 avg) | $7,200 |
| Cart rentals | $3,600 |
| Monthly outing meals | $2,400 |
| Transportation stipends | $1,200 |
| Total | $14,400 |
Funding Sources
- ▶ Monthly giving program
- ▶ Sovereign Sponsor allocations
- ▶ Tribal elder services partnerships
Staffing
1 Program Coordinator (shared with Youth), volunteer drivers
Implementation Timeline
Partner with tribal elder services, enroll participants
Spring rounds begin, first social outing
Summer play peak, elder appreciation event
Fall rounds, holiday gathering, year-end survey
Success Metrics
Equipment Provision
No one turned away for lack of clubs
What It Is
Sourcing, refurbishing, and distributing quality golf equipment sets to Indigenous individuals and families who cannot afford their own.
Who It Serves
Any Indigenous person — youth, adult, or elder — who wants to play golf but does not own clubs, bags, or essential accessories.
Why It Matters
A basic golf set costs $300-500 new. This barrier alone prevents thousands of Indigenous people from ever picking up the game. We eliminate it.
What Participants Receive
Annual Budget (Year 2)
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Refurbished club sets (40 sets) | $2,400 |
| New starter sets (20 sets) | $1,700 |
| Accessories (balls, tees, gloves) | $600 |
| Shipping and distribution | $400 |
| Total | $5,100 |
Funding Sources
- ▶ Equipment drive donations
- ▶ Pro shop trade-in partnerships
- ▶ Birdie tier sponsor allocations
Staffing
Volunteer-led, 1 Equipment Manager (volunteer), pro shop liaisons
Implementation Timeline
Launch equipment drive, partner with pro shops
First distribution (spring recipients)
Summer distribution, tournament giveaways
Fall distribution, inventory for next year
Success Metrics
Green Fee Coverage
Open the gates to the course
What It Is
Direct subsidization of green fees and range time for Indigenous golfers at partner courses and qualifying facilities.
Who It Serves
Indigenous golfers of all ages who want to play but cannot consistently afford green fees ($40-80/round at most courses).
Why It Matters
Even with clubs, the cost of actually playing ($50-80/round) keeps golf inaccessible. This program removes the recurring cost barrier.
What Participants Receive
Annual Budget (Year 2)
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Green fee subsidies (200 rounds x $40 avg) | $8,000 |
| Range passes | $1,200 |
| Voucher printing and admin | $400 |
| Course partnership management | $400 |
| Total | $10,000 |
Funding Sources
- ▶ Event revenue allocation (40% of net)
- ▶ Partner course discounts
- ▶ Birdie Plus tier sponsor allocations
Staffing
1 Program Coordinator (shared), course partner liaisons
Implementation Timeline
Negotiate partner course rates, set voucher system
Spring play season opens, first 50 rounds
Peak summer play, 100 rounds target
Fall play, year-end accounting, renew agreements
Success Metrics
Wellness Through Golf
Healing through movement and nature
What It Is
Holistic wellness program combining golf instruction with mindfulness, physical fitness, and cultural connection for Indigenous adults.
Who It Serves
Indigenous adults (18+) dealing with stress, sedentary lifestyle, or seeking community connection through physical activity and cultural grounding.
Why It Matters
Indigenous communities face disproportionate rates of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges. Golf provides exercise, outdoor time, social bonds, and meditative focus.
What Participants Receive
Annual Budget (Year 2)
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wellness instructor fees (12 weeks) | $3,600 |
| Golf instruction and course fees | $4,200 |
| Health screening partnerships | $1,800 |
| Materials, supplies, refreshments | $1,200 |
| Cultural facilitator stipend | $1,200 |
| Total | $12,000 |
Funding Sources
- ▶ Health-focused grants (IHS, tribal health)
- ▶ Sovereign Sponsor allocations
- ▶ Monthly giving program
Staffing
1 Wellness Coordinator (contract), golf instructor, cultural facilitator
Implementation Timeline
Design curriculum, recruit wellness facilitators
Spring cohort (12 weeks), baseline health screens
Summer open play for graduates, recruit fall cohort
Fall cohort (12 weeks), year-end health outcomes report
Success Metrics
Year 2 Budget Summary
Program Expenses
Projected Revenue (Year 2)
Funding Model
Event Revenue Allocation
Net event revenue (after direct costs) is allocated across four buckets:
Direct program funding — green fees, equipment, instruction
Staff, insurance, admin, course partnerships
Donor acquisition, event promotion, digital ads
Emergency fund and Year 3 scaling capital
Sponsorship Contribution to Programs
| Sponsor Tier | Amount | Primary Program Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Birdie | $500 | Equipment Provision — funds 6 starter sets |
| Birdie Plus | $1,500 | Green Fee Coverage — funds 30 rounds of golf |
| Albatross | $5,000 | Youth Golf Development — funds half a season |
| Eagle | $10,000+ | Elder Golf Access — funds 16 elders for a year |
| Sovereign | $20,000+ | Wellness Through Golf + cross-program support |
3-Year Implementation Roadmap
Foundation & Pilot
- ✓ Pilot Youth and Elder programs at 2 courses
- ✓ Launch equipment drive
- ✓ First 100 subsidized rounds
- ✓ Build measurement systems
Scale & Add Wellness
- ✓ Full Youth and Elder cohorts
- ✓ Wellness Through Golf pilot (2 cohorts)
- ✓ 200 subsidized rounds
- ✓ First grant applications submitted
Full Operation
- ✓ Expand to 8+ partner courses
- ✓ Regional program coordinators
- ✓ Grant funding covers 30%+ of budget
- ✓ Replicable model for other nonprofits
Where Every Dollar Goes
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Golf Development | $6,000 | $10,000 | $22,000 |
| Elder Golf Access | $8,000 | $14,400 | $28,000 |
| Equipment Provision | $3,000 | $5,100 | $10,000 |
| Green Fee Coverage | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Wellness Through Golf | $0 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Overhead & Admin | $6,000 | $7,725 | $12,000 |
| Total | $28,000 | $59,225 | $115,000 |
Grant Opportunities
Six grant programs aligned with Fore Feathers' mission. Grant funding is projected at $5K in Year 2, scaling to 30%+ of budget by Year 3.
First Tee / PGA REACH
$5,000-$25,000Focus: Youth golf access and development
Fit: Direct match — youth golf for underserved communities
Nike N7 Fund
$10,000-$50,000Focus: Native American youth sport and physical activity
Fit: Indigenous youth golf development and wellness
Indian Health Service (IHS)
$10,000-$100,000Focus: Native health and wellness programs
Fit: Wellness Through Golf program, elder health outcomes
Administration for Native Americans (ANA)
$50,000-$300,000Focus: Community development for Native Americans
Fit: Broad community impact, cultural preservation through sport
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
$25,000-$200,000Focus: Health equity and community wellness
Fit: Health disparities in Indigenous communities
USGA/PGA Foundation Grants
$5,000-$50,000Focus: Golf growth and inclusion
Fit: Growing the game among underrepresented populations
Ready to fund these programs?
See the full investment breakdown and partnership terms.