The USTA Florida Foundation stands tall as a helping hand to the Florida tennis community. Awarding impactful grants and always being there to support tennis players across the state, it was another successful year for the foundation.  

Grants, Grant, Grants 

Every year, the USTA Florida Foundation opens grant cycles. This year there was one in the spring and the other in the fall. These are open to anyone, program, facility, and others that need support from USTA Florida. Starting in 2024, the foundation will only open one grant cycle a year. 

Grants can be applied for in the form of Equipment, Wheelchair, and Program Support. In the spring of 2023, the USTA Florida Foundation awarded over $113,000 in grants, providing support to various programs, initiatives, and individuals.  

For the fall cycle, grant requests surged, totaling over $170,000 requested. The impact of both spring and fall grants has left a lasting memory on all of those who received a grant.  

“Through this generosity, we were able to have racquets for juniors who otherwise would not have been able to afford these to take clinics and lessons,” said a spokesperson from the Williams Family YMCA Tennis. “This was a great way to get new juniors to learn the sport of tennis.” 

Another foundation, the MaliVai Washington was extremely grateful for the grants they have received. donations and grants received. “Because of supporters like you [USTA Florida Foundation], we will continue providing vital youth development programs and transforming lives for decades to come,” a MaliVai spokesperson said. 

Hurricane Relief: A Testament to Resilience 

Another project that was executed throughout 2023, was the USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Foundation Hurricane Relief fund. In response to the challenges caused by some storms, USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Foundation came together and started raising money that would soon be awarded to facilities that were left with catastrophic damage.  

Overall, five grants, totaling an impactful $466,000 was awarded to tennis facilities affected by hurricanes. Those facilities were Beachview Tennis Club, Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach Tennis Center, Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Facility, and Lee County Community Tennis Association. These grants served as a lifeline, aiding in the restoration and rebuilding of facilities, fostering a sense of community strength and determination. 

“This grant has been such a relief for us and a massive improvement for the facility following the hurricane season, we can’t thank the USTA Florida Foundation enough,” said Milena Volkova, of the New Smyrna Beach Tennis Center. 

Beyond Numbers: Florida License Plate 

For the more than 4,000 of you that are supporting Tennis on the road, the foundation is appreciative of your dedication. The USTA Florida Foundation sold, 4,056 “Play Tennis” License Plates in 2023, with 90% of all proceeds going back into the community to grow grassroots tennis. 

All in all, the USTA Florida Foundation’s year is a highlight of how one can truly assist with the growth of grassroots tennis in multiple aspects. To continue to support the USTA Florida Foundation and grassroots tennis, visit ustafloridafoundation.com/recurring-donations.