Financial Assistance at BIR
Did you know that typically, upwards of 10% of our junior rowers rely on financial aid to participate in the sport? Bainbridge Island Rowing is committed to making our programs available to everyone who wishes to participate, regardless of their ability to pay program fees.
Thanks to ongoing, generous donations to the BIR Scholarship Fund, financial assistance is available to those with need.
While financial assistance is provided entirely by BIR, we have partnered with Helpline House to calculate financial assistance coverage amounts. Their screening process allows Participants who receive financial aid to remain anonymous to coaches and all other program participants. This page outlines all the details of BIR’s Financial assistance programs for rowers of all ages.
Youth Scholarships
Youth Scholarships are awarded based upon need and cover from 25% to 75% of the cost of participating in BIR programs, including:
- BIR annual membership fees
- BIR Program fees
- Out-of-town regatta expenses (travel, accommodations, dining etc.)
The following costs are NOT covered by scholarships:
- Varsity Team Uniform costs (estimated at around $150). Typically we can loan gently worn uniforms to scholarship recipients. Novice team jerseys are included in program fees.
- Mandatory USRowing competitive membership fees (estimated at around $55/year).
For more details and a current full youth rowing fee schedule, please visit the Juniors Program General Information page.
Adult Scholarships
Adult Program Scholarships are awarded based upon need and cover from 25% to 75% of the cost of participating in BIR programs, including:
- BIR annual membership fees
- BIR Program fees
- Regatta fees
The following costs are NOT covered by scholarships:
- Out-of-town regatta expenses (travel, accommodations, dining etc.)
- Team Uniform costs for competitive rowers (estimated at around $150) Typically uniforms can be borrowed from a teammate for individual regattas.
- Mandatory USRowing competitive membership fees (estimated at around $55/year)
For more details and a current full Adult fee schedule, please visit the Adult Program General Information page.
Scholarship Application & Evaluation Process
- While funds are provided entirely by BIR, we have partnered with Helpline House for the administration of our scholarship application process. This means that Helpline House reviews all requests in confidence and then submit their recommendation for levels of scholarship aid (25%, 50%, or 75%) to the BIR Treasurer. Helpline House does not share any further information with BIR about the reasons behind the recommended level of scholarship assistance.
- Scholarships are granted based on need, budget, and availability of funds. Although BIR works very hard to raise the money to fund scholarships, we cannot guarantee that scholarships will be available but are proud to have never turned a rower away for this reason.
- To apply for a BIR rowing scholarship, start by emailing BIR: Accounting@bainbridgerowing.org. Our Registrar will then allow you to complete registration for upcoming programs while postponing fees until Helpline provides us with a financial assistance recommendation.
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- Please note that Helpline House needs to qualify each scholarship candidate one time in each calendar year. They can be contacted directly at: helpline@helplinehouse.org
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Help Support BIR’s Rowing Scholarships Program!
Please consider joining the many generous donors to our BIR Scholarship Fund, who continue to make rowing accessible to all – any level of support is welcomed and always gratefully accepted. Click the link below and choose “Scholarships” from the drop-down donation designation menu.
Donate to the BIR Scholarship Fund