The USTA Florida Foundation, the charitable arm of USTA Florida, outlines the upcoming Board recruitment and selection process by its Nominating Committee, aligned with governance priories and opportunities for Florida residents to make an impact through tennis, while putting their leadership skills to good use during a two-year term of Board service.

Based in Orlando, Florida, the USTA Florida Foundation continues to advance its mission of “changing lives through tennis” by providing financial support to organizations that help people of all ages and abilities improve their health and quality of life through the great game of tennis. The Foundation emphasizes strong governance and a culture of philanthropy as key drivers of its organizational impact. Its grants offer funding for youth tennis programs, adaptive tennis programs for those with special needs, community tennis programs in economically challenged areas, along with facility assistance in the renovation, refurbishment and building of quality public tennis facilities.

Governance and Funding as a Driver of Mission Impact

Strong governance ensures that every decision aligns with the Foundation’s mission while maintaining transparency, accountability, and strategic focus. The Foundation is governed by its volunteer board members, follows its bylaws, and is proud to keep its Candid seal status under the IRS Silver Transparency 2025.

The Foundation takes pride in the grants it awards, which support initiatives that promote health, activity, and access to tennis statewide. Funding is made possible by generous donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, along with the revenue from Play Tennis! specialty license plate and through our recurring donor program.

Also, the involvement of our Board members is crucial through their commitment through the Board’s “Give or Gather” program, which encourages current board members to contribute both financially and through networking opportunities, fundraising efforts and advocacy.

The Foundation President Elizabeth DeConti emphasized that “Most Board meetings are conducted virtually, allowing leaders from across Florida to participate and contribute meaningfully.

The involvement of our Board has been extraordinary. Their dedication, both personally and professionally, gives us great confidence that the Foundation is growing in the right direction. We now look forward to keeping making a difference in the years to come.”

2026 Cycle for the 2027-2028 Board Recruitment Cycle

The Foundation is preparing for its 2026 Board recruitment cycle, which will shape leadership for the 2027-2028 Board of Directors term. The Foundation’s Nominating Committee, chaired by Board Secretary Fernanda A. Freitas and supported by Board members and Nominating Committee members David Neuhart and Scott Stettner, is leading a strategic selection process grounded in a skills-based leadership framework that will help guide decisions this season.

This framework ensures that Board candidates bring a passion for tennis and professional expertise, related leadership capabilities, and diverse knowledge and perspectives to keep supporting the Foundation’s mission and its strategic priorities.

A Transparent and Inclusive Process

The Board’s recruitment and selection process adheres to the current Foundation’s bylaws to ensure fairness and transparency.

The Nominating Committee Chair, Mrs. Freitas emphasized that: “All Florida residents with a passion for tennis and a commitment to making a difference in peoples and communities’ lives are encouraged to apply. Both returning Board members and new candidates, especially those with fundraising skills and capital relations, or grants experience, are welcome into the process, and we are looking forward to seeing a strong pool of applications this 2026 Summer season.”

Full application details, including specific opening and closing deadlines, expectations and requirements, will be available on the Foundation’s website when the application opens in late May 2026. Additional updates will be shared via the website and social media channels.

Looking Ahead

With strong governance, a dedicated and skilled Board of Directors, with a culture of leadership philanthropy, the USTA Florida Foundation is well-positioned to continue growing its impact.

The Foundation’s President finalized: “We are excited for what’s ahead. We look forward to welcoming returning and new board members who are passionate, skilled leaders from across Florida who want to be part of advancing our mission and help us keep making a difference by funding healthier, more active communities statewide.

For more information on the latest news from the USTA Florida Foundation, visit its website: www.ustafloridafoundation.com.