The scheme is set to offer six $1,000 (£805/€938) scholarship to fencing clubs or individual to assist with engaging BIPOC youth in fencing, three awards of up to $2,000 (£1,610/€1,875) to increase competitive opportunities for clubs and assist with their targeting of under-resourced communities, and three $1,000 grants to help train new coaches from diverse backgrounds.

The Grace programme also provides 10 fee waivers for each event on the North American Cup to athletes who incur a sudden loss of income, injury or a crisis.

Applications for each of these Fencing the Gap initiatives open on January 1 next year.

A club incentive programme also provides USA Fencing expenses-relate rewards to those who excel in the education, engagement and empowerment of youth from diverse populations.

USA Fencing has targeted cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Columbus and the Bronx to test a programme in which it will work with local school districts, parks and recreation departments, and sport development organisations to bring the sport to diverse communities.

The national governing body has partnered with the national non-profit organisation All Kids Play to implement its initiative.

USA Fencing chief executive Phil Andrews underlined the importance of Fencing the Gap.

"Statements and words of support in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are important, but they’re just the beginning," he said.

"If you want to affect real change within the sport, you have to put your money where your mouth is."

All Kids Play founder and executive director Jason Schmitz added: "All Kids Play is very excited to be partnering with USA Fencing to ensure the growth of youth fencing in the US by providing increased access to fencing to underserved student-athletes who are currently under-represented in fencing.

"All Kids Play and USA Fencing are aligned in our shared belief that the numerous life skills learned in fencing will propel student-athletes toward future success in all aspects of life."