Olathe Parks & Recreation, 40 Love Tennis Secure Grants From USTA to Make Tennis More Accessible

The USTA Missouri Valley Tennis Foundation was established to support local nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to providing opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy tennis in their immediate communities, regardless of their circumstances. 

When we have an opportunity to help enrich the lives of these underserved children, adults, and individuals with disabilities by investing in organizations that will introduce them to the game of tennis, we will take it. Which is why the Foundation established the Serving Up Tennis Grant, which helps nonprofit organizations start up or expand on their tennis programming or activities in underserved communities.

Each year, five of these grants, which are capped at $1,000 per application (and at $3,000 per organization per calendar year), are up for grabs. Interested organizations need to submit applications explaining in detail why they need the grant and how the funds will be spent. Examples of items that can be purchased with grant funds include tennis equipment, program start-up fees, facility rentals, volunteer training, and transportation. Applications are reviewed twice a year, with final decisions made in April and December. For a complete list of grant guidelines, please click here.

USTA Heart of America is proud to announce that two organizations within our district, City of Olathe Parks & Recreation and 40 Love Tennis, received the Serving Up Tennis Grants for the first cycle! 

City of Olathe Parks & Recreation received their $1,000 grant to bring tennis programming to both children and adults by way of a six-week session of group classes. From June 4 to July 14, players will work with coaches on building the fundamentals of their game while enjoying camaraderie with others in attendance. The grant will help offset coaching fees, court rental costs, equipment purchases, and more. 

40 Love Tennis was awarded a $594 grant to help its community partner, Rosedale Community Development in Rosedale, KS, provide no-cost tennis programming for children ages 6-12 who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience the game of tennis. The initial program will be eight weeks long, running from June 1 through August 1, and will follow the USTA Net Generation Junior Pathway. Other programs for extended age groups may also be available. The grant will help acquire tennis balls, racquets, and a pro stipend. 40 Love Tennis has been a champion of bringing tennis to diverse communities, and this grant will help it continue to do so.

It’s an honor to award these organizations their Serving Up Tennis Grants, and we look forward to watching their programs–and the players they’ll be working with–thrive. Thank you for bringing tennis to the amazing communities we serve in our district!