Financial Assistance and Scholarships

In support of our guiding principle, "We are welcoming," Minneapolis Rowing Club seeks to
reduce financial barriers to the sport of rowing in our community. Some examples include a
sliding-scale fee for some programs, individual payment plans, and financial assistance
available to both youth and adult members to assist with membership dues, program fees,
and/or regatta costs.

We are committed to making rowing accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.
However, we want to be transparent that our current pool of financial assistance funds is very
limited. As a result, award amounts may be modest, and we are unable to cover the full cost of
participation at MRC. We recognize the importance of expanding access to rowing and aspire to
grow our financial assistance budget in the future.

Budget and Distribution of Financial Assistance Awards:

*Note, this split is proportional to program registration from 2024 as roughly one-third of program
registrants were U30 or Novice rowers. 

**Note, applicants may apply for financial assistance for Learn to Row before registration opens,
but you must have a confirmed spot in the Learn to Row program before funds will be awarded.  

Application Information and Timeline

All current and future members of Minneapolis Rowing Club are eligible to apply for financial
assistance. Applications will be reviewed by the Financial Assistance Committee and treated
with the utmost confidentiality; any funds awarded are kept confidential. The committee reviews
applications using a rubric. Financial need is determined using federal poverty data and committee
members carefully review other submitted information to determine scholarship awards. 

Learn to Row: Please note you may apply for financial assistance for Learn to Row before
lottery selection has been announced, but you must have a confirmed spot in the Learn to Row
lottery before funds will be awarded. If you do not receive a spot in the Learn to Row lottery, no
funds will be awarded, and your application will be closed.

Regatta Fees: Please note that MRC prioritizes regatta fees for the North West International
Rowing Association, Midwest Junior Rowing Championship, Youth and Masters Nationals
(USRowing RowFest events), and Head of the Charles Regatta.

Financial Assistance Timeline 2025:


*Note that due to implementation timing of the new process, applications for membership dues
and program fees are due March 15, 2025 and decisions will be communicated by March 31,
2025.

To be considered for financial assistance, please complete the MRC Confidential Financial Assistance Application. 

To set up an individual payment plan, please contact Club Manager Jeff Forrester.

The financial assistance process is led by the Vice President.