JVA Announces 2025 Grant Recipients, Plus A Game-Changing Collaboration with USA Volleyball Foundation

Naperville, IL (August 5, 2025) — Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) is proud to announce the finalization of recipients of the 2025 JVA Grant Program. Thanks to a game-changing matching contribution from USA Volleyball Foundation (USAVF), this year’s funding has doubled to $100,000, significantly expanding the program’s reach and impact.

What began as a $50,000 investment from JVA to support creative, community-driven volleyball initiatives has grown into a $100,000 collaborative effort to grow the game. Launched in 2022, the JVA Grant Program reflects JVA’s commitment to removing barriers to play and empowering clubs to lead with purpose. The grants support bold, inclusive, and replicable programs that advance the sport and serve as models for clubs nationwide.

“In the spirit of collaboration, we hope the JVA Grant Program, with the additional support from USAVF, will inspire volleyball clubs around the world to look beyond the day-to-day gym operations and imagine how their programs can serve a greater purpose,” said JVA Executive Director Lisa Wielebnicki. “By meeting real needs in their communities, reaching athletes who’ve been overlooked, and using the power of sport, grant recipients can create lasting, meaningful change.”

The 2025 grant cycle saw a wave of compelling proposals from clubs working to:

  • Build boys’ volleyball in underserved areas
  • Expand outreach in urban communities
  • Launch adaptive programs for athletes with special needs
  • Support athlete mental health and wellness
  • Improve access through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

Each selected program addresses a local need while providing a roadmap for others to follow. All recipients will be spotlighted throughout the 2025–26 season, allowing the club community to learn from their work and bring new ideas back to their gyms.

“The USAV Foundation is proud to partner with JVA to expand support for clubs leading innovative grassroots efforts,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “This initiative is opening doors for more communities to benefit from the sport. With a shared commitment to growing volleyball from the ground up, we’re proud to help empower the clubs that make a difference where it matters most.”

The JVA Grant Program is about more than funding. It’s about challenging the status quo, removing barriers to access, and empowering clubs to lead with creativity, empathy, and bold ideas. This year’s recipients will serve as examples of what’s possible when clubs look outward and lead with purpose.

“This year’s applicants reminded us just how much creativity and heart exist at the grassroots level of our sport,” said Wade Garard, Chief Advancement Officer of USA Volleyball and President of the USAV Foundation. “The USAV Foundation is honored to join JVA in supporting these innovative programs, and we’re grateful to our donors for making this possible. Together, we’re not only increasing access to the game, we’re investing in the future of volleyball by empowering clubs to lead change in their communities.”

The JVA Grant Program will reopen for applications from all junior volleyball clubs in Spring 2026. To read about this year’s JVA- and USAV-affiliated recipients, please visit our GRANT PROGRAM page.

About JVA

Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) is the only national association that’s 100% focused on junior volleyball and the needs of the club community. Our mission is simple: improve the junior volleyball experience. Founded in 2006 by club directors and for club directors, JVA supports nearly 1,700 member clubs with resources, events, education, and advocacy that help the sport grow in the right direction. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, JVA empowers clubs to lead with purpose on and off the court. JVA provides education for coaches, directors, and athletes; promotes responsible athlete development; and champions opportunities for underserved communities to access the sport. Learn more at www.jvavolleyball.org and follow @jvavolleyball on Instagram.

About USA Volleyball Foundation

USA Volleyball Foundation (USAVF) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit fundraising arm of USA Volleyball, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of philanthropy and the sport of volleyball. By supporting USAV and the broader volleyball community, USAVF creates opportunities, empowers athletes, galvanizes communities, inspires youth and fosters unity through the unifying spirit of volleyball.  For more information, please visit www.usavfoundation.org.