What we look at
Every funded place pays for education: instruction, coaching and structured progression. So we look first for people committed to learning, and for the gap between where they are and where they want to go, whether that’s a first sail or high-level racing they can’t reach on their own.
| Criterion | Points | How it’s scored |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment to learning | up to 25 | What you commit to if selected (instruction sessions, a skills checklist, a course or certification, reflections after sessions, helping teach newer sailors), plus the reviewer’s read of what you want to learn and how you’ll keep learning. |
| Access gap | up to 25 | What’s missing between where you are and where you want to be: qualified coaching, structured instruction, a team or crew, regular practice and racing, a suitable boat, offshore experience, courses or credentials, mentors. |
| Financial need | up to 25 | Household income range, participation in a public assistance program, and whether a difficult life event has made sailing harder to afford or reach. You may choose “prefer not to say”; if you tell us cost is a barrier, we still take that into account. |
| Mission fit and goal | up to 15 | The reviewer’s read of your written answers: a clear goal, whether the place would open a real door (a team, a credential, a career, passing it on), and evidence of follow-through. |
| Availability | up to 10 | Able to take part most weeks during the season. |
Reviewers score written answers against written definitions. Spelling, grammar and writing style are never scored. Applications scoring 65 or more are a priority for a funded place; 45–64 are reviewed individually. The number of places depends on available funding.
What we never consider
Impact Sailing Foundation does not consider, and does not discriminate on the basis of, race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by law, in selection, funding or participation.
If you need an accommodation to take part, tell us on the application. That answer goes to program staff only. It is not seen by reviewers and is not scored.
Who decides
Your information
Application information is used only to review your application. It is seen by Impact’s reviewers and, for funded places, our fiscal sponsor, Spectrum Sailing. It is kept securely and never sold or shared.
Questions about a decision? Email impactsailingfoundation@gmail.com and we’ll explain how your application was scored.