The ALTA Foundation’s 2026 Year In Review
By Terry Godbold, ALTA Foundation President
The ALTA Foundation, through your generosity, is able to provide access to tennis and pickleball for underserved communities, offer scholarships to talented high school seniors, and fund valuable programs at Title I schools through our START program. Together, we are enriching lives and strengthening our tennis community.
Programmatic grants: Expanding access to tennis and pickleball
ALTA Foundation grants continue to be a cornerstone of our mission. In 2026, we’ve already awarded $59,050 in grants to 12 organizations, all of which are committed to bringing tennis and pickleball to those who need it most. Your contributions are supporting initiatives that help individuals with disabilities, underserved youth, and others in our community gain access to these life-changing sports.
Here are just a few highlights of our accomplishments this year:
- Shepherd Center: Ongoing adaptive tennis and pickleball programs for people with mobility challenges
- Special Olympics Georgia: Our partnership continues to support the tennis event at the State Summer Games, where athletes with intellectual disabilities showcase their incredible talents.
- BlazeSports America: Youth Wheelchair Tennis, Veterans Tennis and Veterans Pickleball Programs
- Henry First, Inc.: The American Wheelchair Tennis Championships (held in McDonough, GA) continue to grow in popularity, thanks to your support.
Your donations are directly funding these impactful programs, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to experience the joy and benefits of tennis and pickleball.
Scholarships: Supporting the next generation of leaders
The L. Keith Wood Scholarship Program is empowering the next generation of community leaders. In 2026, we were able to award $20,000 in scholarships to eight deserving high school seniors. These students have demonstrated excellence in academics, community service, and ALTA league tennis participation. By investing in their futures, we’re helping to pave the way for even more bright minds to pursue higher education.
The ALTA Foundation was excited to introduce the Bryan Shepherd Legacy of Light Scholarship Program in 2026! This scholarship honors the legacy of Bryan Shepherd, a beloved coach and mentor, and an irreplaceable fixture within the Atlanta tennis community. Known for his ever-present smile, generous spirit, and unwavering encouragement, Shepherd impacted countless lives on and off the tennis court. A lifelong player, coach, and volunteer for ALTA and USTA, Shepherd embodied the values of dedication, sportsmanship, and kindness, and he exuded pure joy for the game. He truly believed everyone should and could follow their dreams, starting with a smile and some life lessons learned on the tennis court!
In his honor, the ALTA Foundation offered “Legacy of Light” scholarships, focusing on graduating high school students who played on a Title I high school tennis team and who will be attending an accredited college, university, or technical school. This first year, we provided two $500 scholarships.
Expanding opportunities for Title I schools
Through the START Program, we continue to increase access to tennis for students in Title I schools across metro Atlanta. In 2026, we expanded our funding to 21 schools, providing $42,500 in support for tennis programs. In the coming years, we hope to grow this program even further, reaching more schools and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to experience the benefits of tennis.
How you can continue to make a difference
As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to consider donating to help us continue this important work. Whether you are renewing your ALTA membership or making a separate contribution, every dollar helps us extend the reach of our programs and create lasting change in our community.
Here’s how your gift can make an impact:
- $1,000 can provide a new ball machine for a Title I high school tennis program.
- $500 can cover the cost of coaching fees for a wheelchair tennis clinic.
- $200 can provide 20 new tennis racquets for underserved youth.
- $100 can supply tennis uniforms for five Title I students.
- $50 can purchase equipment for pickleball clinics for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Thank you for your ongoing support
It is because of your generosity that we are able to make such a meaningful difference. Your contributions ensure that the ALTA Foundation continues to thrive and support the health, character, and sportsmanship of our community. Together, we are creating opportunities for all people to experience the power of tennis and pickleball.
To donate, simply visit altatennis.org/altafoundation.aspx and click the green DONATE button or scan the QR code in this article. If you prefer to donate via check or donor-advised fund, please reach out to Terry Godbold at foundationpresident@altatennis.org. You can also add a donation when renewing your ALTA membership for 2027!
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s continue to build on the momentum we’ve created together!
