By Cameron Turner, ALTA Foundation President
Each year, the ALTA Foundation witnesses the incredible impact of your generosity. Thanks to your donations, we are able to provide access to tennis and pickleball for underserved communities, offer scholarships to talented high school seniors, and fund valuable programs at Title 1 schools through our START program. Together, we are transforming lives and strengthening our community.
Programmatic Grants: Expanding Access to Tennis and Pickleball
ALTA Foundation grants continue to be a cornerstone of our mission. In 2025, we have awarded $66,000 in grants to 16 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 this year’s accomplishments:
- 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 Summer Games, where athletes with intellectual disabilities showcase their incredible talents.
- BlazeSports America: Youth Wheelchair Tennis, Veterans Tennis, and Veterans Pickleball Programs.
- Agape Tennis Academy: Providing youth tennis programs to the students at Scott Elementary School.
- Henry First: The American Wheelchair Tennis Championships continue to grow in popularity.
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 2025, we awarded $24,000 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 are helping to pave the way for even more bright minds to pursue higher education.
Expanding Opportunities for Title 1 Schools
Through the START Program, we continue to increase access to tennis for students in Title 1 schools across metro Atlanta. In 2025, we expanded our funding to 18 schools, providing over $34,000 in support for tennis programs. But we are not stopping there. 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 1 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 1 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 on the green DONATE button. If you prefer to donate via check or donor-advised fund, please email foundationpresident@altatennis.org. Add a donation when you renew your 2026 ALTA dues.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let’s continue to build on the momentum we have created together!
