Financial Assistance

 Destination Imagination, Inc. is pleased to announce that we will once again provide financial assistance opportunities for teams who are attending Global Finals 2026.  These funds are intended to make the event more accessible for the teams that need the most help.

International Teams Apply Here
U.S. Teams Apply Here

Application Details

  • Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026
  • Who can apply: Any team may apply—even if they have not yet participated in their local tournament
  • Covers: Registration fees only (does not include travel, lodging, or meals)
  • Commitment: Teams do not need to commit to attending Global Finals until after they receive their award notification

Deadlines and Notifications

  • International Teams

    • Application deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026
    • Notification of awards begins: Monday, March 9, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later)
    • Earlier notifications are intended to help international teams plan travel.

    U.S. Teams

    • Application deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
    • Notification of awards begins: Monday, March 30, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later)

Past Awards

  • In 2025, Destination Imagination awarded a total of $70,000 in financial assistance to 21 teams.

    • Awards ranged from partial to full coverage
    • The average award amount was $3,309 per team
    • We anticipate a similar level of funding for Global Finals 2026

How Applications Are Evaluated

  • Applications will be reviewed by a committee of Destination Imagination staff, board members, and alumni. Points will be awarded based on:

    • Geographic Representation (up to 10 points): Does the team represent an area that will not have many other teams in attendance?
    • Financial Need (up to 20 points): What is the estimated cost per team member? What percentage of those expenses must the team cover themselves?
    • Fundraising Efforts (up to 20 points): How many fundraising efforts has the team made or planned? How many of those efforts were led by the team members themselves?
    • Previous Attendance (up to 10 points): What percentage of the team members have attended Global Finals in the past?
    • Essay (up to 30 points): Why does the team want to participate in Global Finals 2026, and how will they benefit from attending?

FAQs

  • International Teams: Friday, February 13, 2026
  • U.S. Teams: Friday, March 6, 2026

Any teams that can demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply.

The amount awarded to each team depends on their application and demonstrated need.

  • In 2024, Destination Imagination distributed a total of $70,000 to 21 teams.
  • The average award was $3,309 per team
  • Awards may be partial or full coverage of registration fees.

The amount awarded to each team depends on their application and demonstrated need.

  • In 2024, Destination Imagination distributed a total of $70,000 to 21 teams.
  • The average award was $3,309 per team
  • Awards may be partial or full coverage of registration fees.

The amount awarded to each team depends on their application and demonstrated need.

  • In 2024, Destination Imagination distributed a total of $70,000 to 21 teams.
  • The average award was $3,309 per team
  • Awards may be partial or full coverage of registration fees.

The amount awarded to each team depends on their application and demonstrated need.

  • In 2025, Destination Imagination distributed a total of $70,000 to 21 teams.
  • The average award was $3,309 per team
  • Awards may be partial or full coverage of registration fees.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes representatives from DI’s Board of Trustees, staff, and alumni. Awards are based on:

  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Details provided in the application (including fundraising efforts and essay responses)

Yes. Your team’s answer to this key essay question is especially important:

“Why do you and your team want to be a part of Global Finals 2026? How will your team benefit from attending?”

Tips for a strong application:

  • Provide specific details about your financial situation
  • Share fundraising efforts, especially those led by the team itself
  • Make your essay response clear, creative, and detailed
  • International Teams: Notifications begin on Monday, March 9, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later).
  • U.S. Teams: Notifications begin on Monday, March 30, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later).

Please note: It may take several days to distribute all financial assistance funds.
All teams will be notified of their award status before the April 15, 2026 registration deadline.

Financial assistance awards are applied directly to a team’s Global Finals registration fees. At this time, funds cannot be used for travel, housing, or meals.

Please email [email protected]. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 1 business day.