4 Points Of The Diamond™ Scholarships, Player & Coach Grants
OUR VISION:
From First Swing to Future Leadership
The Natasha Watley Foundation empowers underserved girls through softball, mentorship, and leadership development.
The Natasha Watley Foundation believes no girl should be prevented from entering, staying in, or advancing through the game because of financial barriers. Our Scholarships, Player & Coach grants are designed to support girls at every stage of their softball journey from first introduction to the game to leadership development, college pathways, and long-term opportunity.
Through grants, scholarships, mentorship, and opportunity pathways, NWF invests in girls both on and off the field by supporting access, development, leadership, and future opportunity.
SCHOLARSHIP STRUCTURE
DISCOVER
Play Grants: Help girls get into the game.
Play Grants are designed for girls who are new to softball or need support accessing the sport for the first time.
Support May Include:
- Basic equipment (glove, cleats, bat)
- Intro clinic or program fees
- Starter kits
- Access support
Goal:
Remove barriers to first participation and create positive first experiences in sport.
DEVELOP
Stay Grants: Help girls stay in the game and continue developing.
Stay Grants support athletes who are actively participating and need assistance continuing their softball journey.
Support May Include:
- Camp registration
- Skills clinics
- League dues
- Training support (ex. Pitching, hitting lessons)
- Equipment upgrades
Goal:
Ensure girls can continue playing, growing, and developing confidence through sport without financial barriers.
LEAD
Lead Scholarships: Invest in future leaders, mentors, and role models through sport.
Lead Scholarships support girls and young women who are stepping into leadership opportunities both on and off the field.
Support May Include:
- Coach mentor stipends
- Leadership workshops and training
- Coaching certifications and development
- Travel for conferences and leadership opportunities
- Mentor and community impact programs
Goal:
Help participants grow from athletes into confident leaders who give back to the game and their communities.
THRIVE
Opportunity Scholarships: Create long-term pathways and opportunities.
Opportunity Scholarships help athletes access opportunities beyond the field through education, exposure, and career development.
Support May Include:
- College scholarships (tuition, room and board)
- College application support and college prep (ex. SAT prep class)
- College exposure and showcase opportunities
- MLB Develops participation
- Career and mentorship pathways
Goal:
Open doors through education, exposure, leadership, and long-term opportunity.
Partner-Supported Scholarships
NWF partners with organizations and families who help fund opportunities within our scholarship ecosystem. Partner-supported scholarships align directly with the NWF participant journey while still supporting athletes connected to specific partner communities and audiences.
Current Scholarship Partners Include:
- Alliance Fastpitch
- Triple Crown Sports
- Science of Sport
- Romero Family
Recipients may receive support through partner-funded opportunities while still applying through the unified NWF Scholarship & Opportunity Fund application.
Deadlines and Relevant Dates
- Applications Open – May 26, 2026
- Applications Close – August 21, 2026
- Award Notifications: Mid-September
- December 11, 2026: Awards presented at Cocktails & Kicks Event in Los Angeles, CA (awardee must be able to attend).
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Whenever possible, NWF pays expenses directly toward approved needs, programs, dues, or opportunities.
The number of awards varies each year based on available funding and partner support.
Award amounts vary based on need, opportunity, and scholarship type.
Potentially, yes. Applicants may be considered for multiple opportunities depending on eligibility and available funding.
If you experience trouble uploading documents, please send all necessary documents to info@natashawatleyfoundation.org.
DONATE TO THE 4 POINTS OF THE DIAMOND™ SPONSORSHIP, PLAYER & GRANTS FUND
The 4 Points Of The Diamond™ Fund was created to fully support our 4 Points Of The Diamond™ sponsorships and grants. By donating to this fund, 100% of your donation will be earmarked to support an athlete receiving monetary support for equipment, training, and team dues.