USTA Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,000,000+ (2023: $10,003,665)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 30-45 days
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Website: www.ustafoundation.com
Phone: 914-696-7223
Email: foundation@usta.com
Grant Inquiries: foundation.grants@usta.com
Address: 2500 Westchester Ave Ste 411, Purchase, NY 10577

Overview

Founded in 1994, the USTA Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association. With over 30 years of impact, the Foundation has awarded more than $64 million in grants and scholarships, supporting over 270 local organizations that serve more than 170,000 young people annually across the United States. The Foundation's mission is to bring tennis and education together to change lives, using tennis as a vehicle to help youth from under-resourced communities prepare for life's challenges. Their flagship National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network delivers year-round free or low-cost tennis instruction, academic support, and college and career pathway programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

NJTL Program Grants (Budget-based tiers)

• Organizations with budgets over $1,000,000: Up to $100,000
• Organizations with budgets $750,000-$999,999: Up to $75,000
• Organizations with budgets $350,000-$749,999: Up to $50,000
• Organizations with budgets under $349,999: Up to $35,000

Community Impact Hub Grants: $6+ million initiative supporting 10 selected NJTL organizations through 2027

College Scholarships: Over $3 million annually in scholarships for high school seniors

Priority Areas

• Youth initiatives serving under-resourced communities
• Diversity and inclusion in tennis and education
• "Aces for Kids" healthy lifestyle initiatives
• Programs combining tennis with academic support and mentorship
• College and career pathway programs

What They Don't Fund

• Individual certifications
• Capital projects or facility renovations
• General travel expenses
• Administrative salaries as standalone requests
• Organizations without USTA Organizational Membership
• Programs without USTA Safe Play compliance

Governance and Leadership

CEO: Ginny Ehrlich
Board President: Kathleen Wu

CEO Ginny Ehrlich on their mission: "We are incredibly proud of the impact we've been able to make over the last 30 years, but we know that there is more work to be done. This campaign is a commitment to the future–a future where every young person can thrive no matter who they are or where they are from."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications submitted through the USTA Foundation Chapter Portal (https://ustaf.force.com/USTAChapterPortal/s/login/). Organizations must be USTA Organizational Members and comply with all Safe Play requirements including background checks and safeguarding training for staff working with minors.

Decision Timeline

30-45 days from submission for notification via email

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. In 2023, made 151 grant awards totaling over $10 million.

Reapplication Policy

Contact foundation.grants@usta.com for guidance on reapplication eligibility.

Application Success Factors

Successful applications demonstrate:

• Clear budget aligned with organization size and IRS Form 990 tier
• Evidence of program sustainability beyond grant period
• Measurable outcomes and success stories
• Broad community support and demonstrated need
• Integration of tennis with education and life skills
• Alignment with Foundation's strategic priorities (30-All Campaign, diversity initiatives)
• Complete Safe Play compliance before application

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Know your tier: Request grant amounts that match your organization's IRS Form 990 gross receipts
• Safe Play is mandatory: Complete all requirements before applying - this is non-negotiable
• Show tennis-education integration: Programs must genuinely combine both elements, not just offer tennis
• Reference current initiatives: Mention 30-All Campaign goals and Community Impact Hub model
• Demonstrate sustainability: Show diverse funding sources and long-term viability plans
• Use available resources: Attend the Grant Best Practices webinar before applying
• Maintain USTA membership: Confirm Organizational Membership is current before starting

References

1. USTA Foundation Official Website - www.ustafoundation.com (Accessed March 2026)
2. USTA Foundation Program Grants FAQs - USTA Online Help Center (Accessed March 2026)
3. USTA.com - Various press releases and foundation updates (2024-2026)
4. GuideStar Profile - EIN 13-3782331 (Accessed March 2026)
5. Instrumentl 990 Report - USTA Foundation Incorporated (Accessed March 2026)