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Fore Kids Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$3.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.4-3.6 million (varies by year)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies by organization type
  • Geographic Focus: New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas (southeast Louisiana)
  • Total Raised Since 1958: Over $55 million

Contact Details

Address: 11005 Lapalco Boulevard, Avondale, LA 70094
Phone: 504-342-3013
Email: PLUMAN@FOREKIDSFOUNDATION.COM
Contact: Pam Luman, Finance Manager
Website: www.forekidsfoundation.com

Overview

The Fore!Kids Foundation has operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation since February 1994, though its charitable work dates back to 1958. The foundation raises funds through golf events, most notably as the host organization for the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic of New Orleans, as well as the Golf Ball Gala and other charitable tournaments. With over $55 million raised to date, the foundation provides healthcare, education, and hope for over 200,000 children annually in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas. A distinguishing feature of the foundation is that 100% of donations and proceeds go directly to children's programs, as all administrative costs are absorbed through the production of the PGA Tour event. In 2024, the foundation distributed a record $3.3 million, continuing an upward trajectory from $2.3 million in 2021-2022 and $2.8 million in 2023. The foundation has earned a Four-Star rating (96% score) from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong financial health and accountability.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Fore!Kids Foundation operates two tiers of support:

Signature Charities: Long-term partnerships with major organizations

  • Children's Hospital of New Orleans
  • St. Michael Special School
  • Educare of New Orleans
  • First Tee of Greater New Orleans
  • First Tee of East Baton Rouge Parish
  • Bayou District Foundation
  • Louisiana Hospitality Foundation
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana
  • Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation

Community Organization Grants: Annual grants to approximately 50+ smaller nonprofits through an application process

Recent recipients include 826 New Orleans, A's and Aces, CASA Jefferson, Covenant House New Orleans, Special Olympics Louisiana, Youth Empowerment Project, St. Lillian Academy, St. Mary's Residential Training School, Children's Museum of St. Tammany, Blessings in a Backpack, and many others.

Priority Areas

  • Healthcare for children
  • Education and educational support
  • Building confidence and life skills in children
  • Youth development programs
  • Services for children in need across southeast Louisiana
  • Organizations serving the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas

What They Don't Fund

Information not publicly available. Given their mission focus, the foundation appears to exclusively fund children's service organizations in the New Orleans-Baton Rouge region.

Governance and Leadership

Board Chair: David Perlis
Vice Chairman: Brian Cheramie
Executive Director/CEO: Steve Worthy (Compensation: $378,000)
VP of Sales & Marketing: Chris Kenyon (Compensation: $185,000)
Finance Manager: Pam Luman

Board Members: Tony Abadie, Scott Ballard, Anne Barnes, John Barranco, Eddie Boettner, Brian Cheramie (Vice Chairman), Peggy Coleman, David Galle (ex-officio), Tristan Manthey, Mickey Parenton, David Perlis (Chairman), Chav Pierce, Mark Romig, Gordy Rush, Darrah Schaefer, and Steve Worthy.

Leadership Quote: Steve Worthy has stated: "We are blessed to have such a supportive title sponsor" and emphasized that "Through the dedication and commitment of our members and volunteers, we were proud to be able to operate a safe and effective event."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications from community organizations through a formal application process, though specific details are not publicly available on their website. Organizations that have successfully received grants indicate they "applied through the Foundation's application process."

For application information, organizations should contact:

The foundation maintains two levels of partnership:

  1. Signature Charities: Long-term strategic partnerships with 9 major organizations
  2. Community Organization Grants: Annual grants distributed to 50+ organizations through application

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines are not publicly disclosed. The foundation appears to make annual grant distributions following the conclusion of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament, which typically takes place in April. Distribution announcements have historically been made several months after the tournament.

Success Rates

In 2023, the foundation made 57 grants totaling $2,423,600. The foundation serves over 60 organizations annually, impacting more than 200,000 children. Specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation's history of supporting many organizations over multiple years, reapplication appears to be welcomed.

Application Success Factors

  • Geographic alignment is critical: Organizations must serve children in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas
  • Mission alignment: Focus on healthcare, education, and building confidence in children
  • Organizational capacity: The foundation supports both large established organizations (Signature Charities) and smaller community-based nonprofits
  • Direct service to children: Programs must directly benefit children in need
  • 501(c)(3) status: Applicants must be registered nonprofit organizations
  • Multi-year track record: Many funded organizations have received support over multiple years, suggesting the foundation values proven impact
  • Community connections: Organizations embedded in the southeast Louisiana community appear to fare well
  • Measurable impact: Given Charity Navigator's high rating, the foundation likely values clear outcomes showing how funds benefit children

The foundation's commitment to directing 100% of donations to programs (with administrative costs covered by the PGA Tour event) means they can maximize impact for funded organizations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Location matters: Your organization must serve children in the New Orleans or Baton Rouge metro areas—this is non-negotiable
  • 100% goes to programs: All donations support children directly, so emphasize direct service delivery in applications
  • Two-tier structure: Understand whether you're applying for Signature Charity status (long-term partnership) or community organization grants
  • Timing: Applications likely coincide with the annual Zurich Classic cycle, so reach out to Pam Luman well before the spring tournament
  • Impact focus: With 200,000 children served annually across 60+ organizations, demonstrate how your work contributes to this collective impact
  • Contact early: With limited public application information, direct outreach to the foundation is essential
  • Multi-year potential: The foundation maintains long-term relationships with many grantees, so think beyond a single grant cycle

References

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