Revamped USTA St. Louis Granting Windows Now Open

• Facility Enhancements: Up to $1,000

For facilities to assist with court repairs and accessories, including score devices, permanent court lines, benches, nets, etc.

• Provider Innovation: Up to $500

For providers to assist with creative ways to promote their existing USTA programs. This could include team challenges, Junior Team Tennis, officials, court monitors, tournaments and leagues.

• Equipment: Up to $500

For community tennis associations (CTAs), schools and school partners to supplement Net Generation School Tennis and assist with properly sized tennis equipment including mini-nets, low-compression balls, shorter racquets and throw-down lines. Also for USTA adaptive- and/or wheelchair-modified balls, nets and training equipment.

“What we’re really trying to do is support community-based tennis programming, particularly helping reach underserved populations where tennis isn’t as accessible,” said Megan Kovacs, USTA St. Louis executive director. “Organizations, CTAs, school programs, any type of community-based organization where they are providing tennis opportunities in those areas — we want to support that.”

USTA St. Louis achieved that objective in 2023 by providing more than $25,000 in grant funds. While the granting windows are new for 2024, Kovacs said the application process for district grants remains the same. The initial 11 questions on the grant application form are tied to providing background information. From there, applicants can choose whether they are selecting a USTA St. Louis grant or USTA Missouri Valley grant.

If applicants pick a USTA St. Louis grant, they will be directed to a page specifically dedicated to district grants where they can complete the remaining 12 questions. Kovacs noted it is important applicants know they can apply for USTA St. Louis grants as well as USTA Missouri Valley grants. They just need to fill out separate grant applications for both the district and the section.

“There is money available at the district, section and national level to help facilities with maintenance, enhancements and equipment — balls, hoppers, nets, benches,” Kovacs said. “There is a lot to providing and maintaining a good, quality tennis court. We recognize that’s an expense. If there are organizations in need of funding, all three levels are available. We want to make sure our infrastructure stays strong.”

Kovacs said between coaching, equipment and facility upkeep, local organizations — including National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) nonprofits — often require funding beyond the grants they may receive to provide quality programming. These organizations typically fundraise as well, and Kovacs encouraged individuals to consider donating directly to nonprofits to assist them in their tennis and educational efforts.

“It’s not just the tennis portion of their lives these NJTLs are focused on,” Kovacs said. “A lot are in underserved areas, and some of these kids could end up getting a scholarship for their tennis play or academics. These kids might be the first generation in their family to even have college as an option.

“The NJTLs help kids navigate that whole process of applying for college and scholarships. It’s really helping these kids from when they first connect with the CTA or NJTL all the way through. It’s not just about getting them out on the courts playing tennis, which obviously is big.”