DSUSA Chapter Network

• Grant Program
  Eligibility for grant programs (Over $1,000,000 distributed annually, over each of the last 2 years)
• Insurance Program
  Access to affordable group Commercial General Liability insurance, Directors & Officers, and Employment Practices Liability insurance for qualifying organizations
• Training & Education
  Reduced cost or free training and education opportunities, sport training and webinars through the Adapt2Achieve program
• Partnerships
  Join a national network of more than 120 chapters, big and small. Opportunities for partnership projects with sponsors, Disabled Sports USA National Headquarters, and its chapter network
• Chapter Toolkit (Updates Pending)
  Access to online resources and tools
• Marketing & Promotions
  • Submit articles and announcements about your activities in Disabled Sports USA’s national publication, Challenge magazine (circulation over 32,000). Access free subscriptions for your members
  • Promote your programs, events and employment opportunities through DSUSA website and social media (20,000 unique website visitors each month)
  • Permission to use Disabled Sports USA’s registered service mark tagline: If I can do this, I can do anything!

All certified chapters of Disabled Sports USA are responsible for the following in order to maintain its chapter certification.

Organizational Requirements

• Chapter Dues
  $250 a year
• State of Incorporation Registration
  Each chapter must be incorporated as a corporation and maintain current registration as a charity in their state of incorporation and the state where their business headquarters is located, if they are not the same
  
• 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status
  All chapters must maintain 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt status in order to be a chapter in good standing

Insurance Requirements

• Proof of Insurance
  All chapters must carry Commercial General Liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence limit and $2,000,000 aggregate limit. Provide a certificate naming Disabled Sports USA as additionally insured on a yearly basis. Insurance can be obtained independently or through participation in Disabled Sports USA’s Group insurance program

Financial Requirements

• Annual IRS Filing
  File annual returns with the IRS and provide a current copy of Form 990, 990‐EZ or 990‐N to Disabled Sports USA to demonstrate compliance (should be submitted within 30‐days of the IRS filing)

Marketing & Communications

• Chapter Contact Updates
  Make DSUSA aware of any changes in leadership contacts
• DSUSA Logo Compliance
  Chapters must display the Disabled Sports USA “chapter of” logo, pursuant to the Logo Style Guide and may not be altered

• Reflect the mission of DSUSA
  “To provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.”
• Independent 501c3 / Non-Profit Organization
  Provide IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and proof of registration as a charity in state of operation
• Offer direct sports programming to athletes with permanent disabilities
  Must have conducted programming for minimum of 12 months for a minimum of 20 unique participants prior to chapter application, and have an active online presence (i.e. website required, social media optional)
• Demonstrate that programming is offered in safe and accessible environment
  Provide information related to athlete protection protocols; training, screening, and qualifications of instructors/coaches/volunteers
• Demonstrate sound financial guidelines
  Provide most current 990, 990-EZ or 990-N
• Demonstrate competent governance
  Provide list of board members and two organizational reference letters
• Carry Commercial General Liability Insurance
  Provide proof of CGL with minimum limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence limit and $2,000,000 aggregate limit, and 5 year Loss Run Reports for all policies held

• Complete online application
  Please carefully review the list of Applicant Requirements above before beginning the online application.  Applicants have 30 days from the date of the primary submission to complete the application and deliver any requested materials not included in the online submission.  If the application remains incomplete after that time, it will no longer be considered.
• Application cycles
  DSUSA accepts applications for chapter twice a year
  December 1 – February 28 | May 1 – June 30