The USTA Florida Section Foundation this week launched a new website and social media channels, and opened its 2018 grant cycle aimed at providing equipment and program support funding to organizations across the state of Florida.  Since 2010, the foundation has given more than $1.2 million in grants to more than 120 organizations throughout Florida.

“With a new grant management system, a new website and social media channels that truly showcase our impact, we are eager to increase our efforts to grow youth and adaptive tennis programs in all communities,” said Alexis Johnson, executive director of the USTA Florida Section Foundation.

The charitable arm of USTA Florida is the only organization in the state that provides funding to other organizations for the specific purpose of changing lives through tennis.  Since 2010, it has provided more than $280,000 in grants to schools; more than $95,000 in grants to adaptive programs; and more than $40,000 to various YMCAs.

The new website, www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com, provides a wealth of new information for grant seekers, including sample grants, budget templates, equipment recommendations, and FAQs.  The information is designed to make the process easier for organizations who may not have experience writing grant requests.

In addition to the grant information, the website also places a large focus on how individuals and organizations can get involved in the non-profit’s activities, including volunteering as ambassadors, serving on the grant review team, and donating directly online.

Tag ambassadors are especially important.  A large portion of the organization’s grant dollars come from the sale of the Play Tennis! license plate.  Recent legislation proposes to reduce the number of specialty plates in the state.  The foundation hopes to increase the number of plates to ensure that this source of funds remains in place for the long term.

“Our Onein4000 Social Media Campaign (@onein4000) has reached a lot of people during the last year, but we still hear from many tennis players who say they had no idea the Play Tennis! plate exists.  We need to change that and make the fundraising side of the foundation more visible,” added Celia Rehm, president of the USTA Florida Section Foundation board.

To learn more about the USTA Florida Section Foundation, it’s impact on the community and how you can get involved, visit www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com, or connect with us on social media @USTAFLFNDN.