How to Secure Grants and Funding for Pickleball Court Lighting Upgrades

Upgrading pickleball court lighting is one of the most impactful improvements a city can make—but budget limitations often delay the decision.

The good news? Many cities and parks departments are covering the cost through grants, energy-efficiency programs, and public-private partnerships. If you’re exploring how to get funding for your court lighting upgrade, here’s where to start.
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1. Look for Energy-Efficiency or Sustainability Grants

Since systems like the Theta Labs LC3 reduce energy usage by only powering lights when needed, they often qualify for energy-saving funding.

Where to check:

• Your state’s energy office (e.g., SECO for Texas)
• Local utility company rebate programs
• Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program
• DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)

These funds typically support lighting retrofits, especially if you’re switching from halogen or HID to LEDs with a timer-based control system.
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2. Explore Outdoor Recreation and Sports Facility Grants

State parks and rec departments often have annual grants for infrastructure upgrades. Lighting improvements for existing public courts may qualify if the goal is to:

• Increase accessibility
• Reduce ongoing operational costs
• Extend usage hours for the community

Examples to search:

• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Local Park Grant Program
• NRPA grants for health & wellness infrastructure
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3. Tap into Local or Regional Foundation Support

In some cities, regional or local foundations will co-fund park upgrades—especially when pickleball can serve seniors, adaptive athletes, or health-focused community programming.

Tips:

• Partner with a local nonprofit or “Friends of the Park” group
• Highlight how lighting extends safe play hours
• Emphasize energy reduction, safety, and accessibility
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4. Leverage Your Own Maintenance & Cost Data

When applying, include stats like:

• Your current electric bill for the facility
• How often staff are called to reset or turn off lights
• The expected cost savings from switching to LED + LC3 zone control
• How many extra hours per week your courts will be usable

Adding real numbers strengthens your case—and makes your application more competitive.
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5. Bundle the Lighting Upgrade with Other Projects

If you’re resurfacing courts, adding restrooms, or improving landscaping, the lighting system can often be folded into a larger capital project. This opens up more grant categories and can simplify approval.

Need a quote or usage data to include in your grant application?
Contact Theta Labs — we can help with documentation, cost estimates, and support letters.