FAQs
for families
Who is eligible for a sponsorship? Any youth ages 5–17 in East San Diego County whose family cannot afford jiu-jitsu training. There is no income verification process — we simply ask you to be honest about your situation when you apply.
How much does it cost the family? It depends on your situation. Full sponsorships are available for families who cannot afford training — RMP covers 100% of monthly tuition. Partial sponsorships are also available for families who can contribute something toward the cost. Gear and tournament fees are covered based on availability. Every situation is different — apply and we'll figure it out together.
How do I apply? Fill out the application on our Apply for Sponsorship page. We review all applications and follow up within 48 hours.
Which gyms are in the program? Currently Kiyoshi BJJ in Lakeside and Downtown Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness in San Diego. More gyms are being added — check our Partner Gyms page for updates.
Does my child need prior experience? No. Complete beginners are welcome and encouraged.
for donors
Is my donation tax deductible? Yes. Roll Model Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 39-2107815). All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Where does my money go? 100% of sponsorship donations go directly to covering youth tuition at partner gyms. RMP pays gyms directly on behalf of sponsored athletes.
How much does it cost to sponsor a kid? $90 covers one full month of training. $180 covers two months. You can also make a one-time or recurring donation of any amount. Every dollar puts a kid on the mat.
for gyms
What does it cost to become a partner gym? Nothing. RMP pays your gym directly for sponsored athletes. There is no cost to partner.
How does the partnership work? Partnership structures are flexible — we work with each gym individually. In our standard model, RMP pays full tuition to your gym and your gym sponsors RMP an amount back as a tax-deductible business expense. For gyms that are just getting started with us, we offer founding partner arrangements where the gym keeps 100% of revenue while RMP absorbs the full sponsorship cost. Contact us to discuss what works for your gym.
What does my gym get out of it? Sponsored kids fill empty mat space that would have sat vacant. Your gym gets featured on rollmodelproject.org, promoted across RMP's social channels, and positioned as a community-first gym in San Diego — the kind of reputation that fills mats long term.
How do I sign up? Fill out the inquiry form on our Partner Gyms page or email justin@rollmodelproject.org directly.
ABOUT RMP
When was Roll Model Project founded? May 12, 2025, in Lakeside, CA.
Is RMP a registered nonprofit? Yes. Roll Model Project is a San Diego County 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 39-2107815. IRS determination received February 18, 2026.
How do I contact you? Email justin@rollmodelproject.org or call (619) 387-8714. We respond within one business day.