In 1982 the Association Research and Study Committee of The Texas Bowling Centers Association, became concerned about the declining number of youth bowlers and the drop-out rate of the older youth bowler. It was determined that a program must be developed to attract and retain youth bowlers, which led to the development of the National Grand Prix Scholarship Program.

The Grand Prix point program for scholarship awards is a program designed to reward participation in youth bowling and to help youth bowlers build a scholarship account to further their higher education. With this goal in mind the Oregon State Bowling Proprietor’s created its own foundation in 1991. The objectives of this foundation include promotion, development, and fund raising programs for youth bowling scholarship programs known as the Grand Prix Scholarship Program.

All activities are to be in strict compliance with the Not-for-Profit Corporation laws of the State of Oregon and in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service regulation as they apply to tax exempt 5013c charitable organizations. No part of the earnings of this Foundation shall incur to the benefit of any individual other than those awarded education scholarships.

This program is based on two levels, State and Local (In-Center). At the local level, scholarship dollars are earned via a point system that bowlers earn for their bowling participation, accomplishments and related bowling activities. The earned points will have a monetary value based upon the available funds from the Bowling Center Scholarship Fund for the current year point accumulation. The youth bowlers total points are converted into dollars and credited to the youth bowlers scholarship account.

The point program is outlined on the final page of this program handbook. Each local center must adopt this valuation system, and may adopt their own points in addition to the current point system, as long as the points are awarded for bowling participation, achievements, and related activities. Points can not be awarded for helping to clean up the bowling center, etc.

Fundraising at local level - enrollment of participants - reporting local youth bowler points

Center fundraising can come from as many sources as the local bowling center can develop. Examples are bowl-a-thons, donations on a per game or per night basis from adult league bowlers, candy sales, car washes, etc. In order for the participating center to remain eligible in the Grand Prix Program, the Center must raise an amount equal to at least $10.00 per each youth bowler in the program, in the program year.

Proper forms for reporting local points will be furnished to participating centers. Each center is responsible for appointing an individual to administer all portions of the Grand Prix Program including registration, registration fees, fundraising, and reporting local points. The appointed individual has a fiduciary responsibility to insure the proper administration of the program and the funds involved.

Youth bowlers also earn state points by participating in the Oregon Grand Prix Tournaments, and the National Family Tournament. Scholarship dollars are also awarded by bowling achievement at the Grand Prix Tournaments. Money for the State points comes from Corporate Sponsorships and interest from investments. See last page for point breakdown.

The Grand Prix Program is run by a Board of 7 Trustees. The Trustees are comprised of 3 Oregon State Bowling Proprietors, a lawyer, a CPA, and 2 at large members. The trustees have designated the OSBPA staff to house and maintain the records of this program. The Trustees and staff are individually bonded. Disbursements can only be made for board approved expenditures and two (2) signatures are required to withdraw funds. All records of each Bowling Center’s Fund, individual points, and fund records, are maintained on a computer system, housed in the OSBPA Headquarter Office. Proper backups or duplicates of these records are stored off premises.

To fund the administration of the Grand Prix Program, The Foundation relies on:

The $5.00 registration fee paid by each bowler for participation.

Part of the interest income from the investment of scholarship funds.

Funds donated for administration.

Appropriations from participating bowling centers.

 

One hundred percent (100%) of all net proceeds raised for Scholarship Funds are exclusively used to award scholarships.

All Oregon State Bowling Centers are eligible to participate in the Grand Prix Program. In the event that a participating center discontinues membership in the Grand Prix Scholarship Program, all scholarship dollars earned by participants will be frozen in an escrow account and will be eligible for release of scholarship dollars provided the youth bowler meets all provisions for the awarding of scholarships. Youth bowlers may also elect to transfer their registration to any other participating Grand Prix Center in Oregon or any other state that has a reciprocal Grand Prix Program.

This program is designed for nursery, intermediate, and secondary level students. Generally this would mean that students from age 3 to 21 are eligible. Students may participate in the program as long as they have not reached their 22nd birthday by August 1. A $5.00 per year, per youth bowler registration fee is required to enter the program and maintain eligibility. Each bowler in the program will be issued an identification number, which is their social security number. We also require a social security number, address, and birth date.

If a youth bowls at more than one center, the bowler should pay registration only through one center and we recommend that center to be the one the bowler considers to be the “home” center. At the conclusion of the program year, after the bowling center turns in fundraising and report, each bowler will receive a letter showing scholarship dollars earned for that year and the total accumulated funds held for bowler.

A youth bowler is vested after 2 years in the program and/or $200.00 held in accumulated funds. If a non-vested youth drops out of the program, and no request is made to hold accumulated funds, the money is returned to the Bowling Center where it was earned, to be redistributed to bowlers in their program the following year.

The Grand Prix program fundraising and point accumulation period is June 1 through May 31.  Bowling Center year end reports and fundraising dollars are due July 31 to Grand Prix Administration office.

The recipients must enroll in a University, College, business, or trade school within 18 months of graduation from high school or receiving a GED. Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the institution for direct expenses for higher education. If a bowler is not enrolled within 18 months, he/she may apply for an extension. A scholarship advisory committee will be appointed to advise and assist on matters relating to the awarding of scholarships.

A promotional kit including a banner and brochures is available from the Grand Prix Administration office.

Fall/Winter league bowling……..………………… 1 point per game

Jr./Adult league bowling………………………….. 2 points per game

Summer league bowling………………………….. 2 points per game

City Tournament…………………………………… 1 point per entry

In-Center Activities………………………………… 1 per activity

Perfect Attendance………………………………… 5 points

League officer………………………………………  2 points

Extra Fund-Raising ($50.00 minimum…………… 3 points

Bring in a new Bowler (new bowler must bowl 2/3 of season.. 3 points

State Youth Tournaments………………………… 1 point per entry

Oregon Grand Prix Tournaments…………………… 1 point per entry

BPAA International Family Tournament…………… 1 point per entry