The Tennessee Tennis Patrons Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization under Tennessee law with federal tax-exempt status. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors and assisted by volunteers to promote the growth and development of tennis in Tennessee. It provides grants of $250 for programs, events, and projects. This online document includes information about the grants, the grant application, and the grant accountability report.
Grants are submitted online and reviewed by a committee; grant decisions are made within sixty days after the application is fully submitted. The foundation is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants, without regard for gender, race, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation or any other illegal basis.
The foundation encourages the submission of grant applications for programs, events, and projects which will promote the growth and development of tennis in Tennessee. The foundation prefers grant applications which include all or some of the following features: a) submitted by or with a Community Tennis Association which holds a valid organizational membership in the USTA (the governing body of the sport); b) submitted by or with a school, school system, community center, nonprofit foundation, or similar organization; c)leverages foundation funds with funds from other sources; d)introduces the sport of tennis to new or underserved populations in Tennessee; e) promotes accessibility of tennis for individuals who are traditionally excluded from tennis populations; and f) enhances opportunities for Tennessee youth to pursue collegiate play opportunities.
Examples of projects, programs, and events which will meet the foundation's goals:
a. A group of metropolitan high school tennis teams use the grant to purchase racquets, balls, & conditioning equipment or to repaint high school tennis courts for use by the teams.
b. A Community Tennis Association assists local schools add tennis to the physical education curriculum by purchasing tennis equpment for educators in the school.
c. A facility paints 10 And Under lines on its courts to promote 10 And Under tennis.
d. A Community Tennis Association or provider provides organized USTA Junior Team Tennis league for underserved populations or purchases tennis racquets for underserved populations to use in such a league.
e. An organization sponsors a college fair for middle- and high school students interested in a collegiate tennis career.
f. A Community Tennis Association or provider develops a health benefits-related introductory program for adults to learn tennis.
The foundation is not interested in funding the following types of programs: a) subsidies for any type of adult league or adult tournament play b) travel costs, including mileage, meals, and lodging; c) any fees paid directly to tennis teaching professionals, event organizers, or program facilitators or managers; d) gifts or management fees paid to individuals in any form.
The foundation has devised a simple online grant application and requires a one-page program/event/project summary, a one-page budget, and a simple grant accountability report.