Need a New Set of Goalposts? Apply Here

Does your youth sports program need new pitching machines, basketball backboards and nets or hockey goals? Hennepin County is offering to pay for them through capital equipment grants.

Applications for the spring round of grants are due by 4 p.m. March 9. Details are available at the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission web site.

Since its inception, in 2009, the Hennepin Youth Sports Program has awarded up to $2 million in grants each year to build, repair, renovate or expand youth sports facilities in the county. Last year, the program set aside $250,000 of that money—with individual grants ranging $5,000 to $10,000—to pay for equipment related to youth and amateur sports activities in the county. The grants, awarded each spring and fall, won't pay for personal equipment.

While local units of government may apply for these grants, a preference will be given to applications involving one or more youth sports organization.