Q&A: Sportsline's "Share Your Favorite Sports Memories" Scholarship 2025-26
What inspired Sportsline to launch this campaign?
Many of our staff members either played youth sports themselves or currently have children participating. Through our work with leagues and families, we recognize the significant financial and time commitments youth sports require. Our goal is to help remove barriers for children who want to participate. We know the benefits of youth sports include improved mental health, physical fitness, and positive social development. Today, more than ever, kids need youth sports as a healthy and constructive outlet.
Why $2,000 total and $500 per quarter?
Because this is our first time running a scholarship program, we wanted to set a goal that was both realistic and attainable. We believe this is a meaningful first step for our first campaign. If the demand is great, we will consider a larger commitment in the future. We chose to distribute scholarships quarterly to give families in all sports seasons an equal chance to apply and receive support. *Updated December 2025: The demand has been great, with currently over $22,500 in scholarship requests. We've started to fundraise through events and through other local MN business partnerships. Keep up with new and events here.
How will scholarships be awarded and who decides?
We’ve designed our application process to be as brief and non-invasive as possible. We only ask for the athlete’s age, the number of athletes applying per household, the league affiliation, the sport, and the requested amount (up to $500 per family). We do not ask for gender, ethnicity, or financial documents. All selections are made by Sportsline management, with the goal of assisting as many families as possible.
How do you verify posts and prevent fraudulent submissions?
All scholarship applications will be reviewed internally and verified directly with the applicant’s league. Social media story submissions are tracked and verified through hashtags, tags, and follows of Sportsline accounts.
Will Sportsline photograph scholarship recipients?
Each scholarship recipient will be offered a complimentary family, sports-themed photoshoot in our studio. With their permission, we may share these images with the press and on our social media channels. Families may also opt out if they prefer privacy, and we fully respect that choice.
Are there any restrictions on who can apply?
Applications are open to families with children 18 and under. Beyond that, there are no additional restrictions.
Will the funds run out if participation is high?
We are donating up to $2,000 total. If participation exceeds expectations, we may consider launching a similar campaign in the future. *Update December 2025: The demand for scholarships has been higher than expected. Therefore, we've started fundraising through events and other local MN business partnerships and have already significantly increased the amount being awarded to families.
How is the program funded? Does it impact your profits?
This program is funded by Sportsline Photography and yes, it does reduce our profits. *Updated December 2025: Additional funding (anything over $2000) is being made possible through fundraising efforts, and other local MN business partnerships.
About Sportsline’s Business
How long has Sportsline been in business?
Sportsline Photography has been proudly serving Minnesota since 2012.
Why focus on Minnesota youth sports?
We are a locally based Minnesota company dedicated exclusively to photographing youth sports leagues and schools in the state.
Does this campaign benefit your bottom line financially?
No. In fact, it cuts into our profits. Our goal is to give back to the Minnesota youth sports community while raising awareness about this program.
What differentiates Sportsline from other sports photographers?
Sportsline specializes exclusively in high-volume youth sports photography and in-house printing — ensuring expert care, fast turnaround, and consistent quality. Our team is trained to pose athletes in ways that reflect the nuances of each sport, and every photographer is background-checked and Safe Sport Certified. In addition, we offer makeup photoshoots at our Ramsey, MN studio for athletes who miss picture day due to illness or travel.
About the Impact
How will you measure success?
If this campaign helps even one family, we will consider it a success.
Will you continue the program beyond one year?
If the response is strong and we see significant participation, we will consider adapting and relaunching the program in the future.
Have you done anything like this before?
No. This is the first initiative of its kind for our business. However, since our founding, we have consistently donated back to sports leagues.
What percentage of your total revenue is donated annually?
We’d refer to management for a precise percentage. However, we do know that in 2024 alone, Sportsline Photography donated $21,855.20 back to local sports leagues.