The Innovate to Grow (ITG) Fund is our fund to invest in new ideas and best practices.

Growing the game and ensuring soccer is everywhere, for everyone requires bold ideas and forward-thinking actions, and Innovate to Grow provides critical financial support to member organizations that are ready to take innovative steps to:

- Grow the number of referees and invest in mentorship and development

- Grow participation meaningfully and sustainably

- Support safe places to play

Since its inception in 2017, the Innovate to Grow Fund has awarded over $18M in grants. In the 2023-24 cycle alone, we donated more than $3M to programs across the country who are changing their communities through soccer and collectively supporting 800,000 participants.

Success Stories and Best Practice Sharing

Examples of best practices from current and former Innovate to Grow recipients can be found on the Soccer Forward Resource Hub.

2025-2026 grant cycle

Applications for the 2025-26 Innovate to Grow grant cycle will open in July.

U.S. Soccer Organization Members can learn more by emailing ITGFund@ussoccer.org.