USTA SERVES AWARDS MORE THAN $1 MILLON IN GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2010
Year-End Grants Awarded to 33 Organizations Including United Neighbors in Davenport, Iowa
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., January 25, 2011 - USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the United States Tennis Association, announced today that it has awarded 33 year-end grants totaling $420,650. Among the organizations recognized with a grant in the amount of $15,000 was United Neighbors in Davenport, Iowa. The number of program grants awarded in 2010 was 59, for a total amount of $855,150. Combined with scholarship awards, USTA Serves distributed more than $1 million in 2010.
The bi-annual grant process, a national initiative of USTA Serves, was developed to provide disadvantaged, at-risk children in underserved communities, as well as people with disabilities, the opportunity to learn to play tennis and improve their academic skills in a structured format, and also to help combat childhood obesity by promoting healthy lifestyles. To date, USTA Serves has disbursed more than $10 million in grants to a variety of programs that share those aims.
At funded program sites, children between the ages of 5-18 learn about healthy nutrition and lifestyles, responsible citizenship, study skills, and computer literacy. The grant recipients are chosen by a Grant Proposal Review Committee comprised of Foundation Board Members and USTA National staff, with important input from USTA Sections. They are awarded to programs that successfully combine tennis and education and help children pursue their goals and highest dreams by leading healthier lives, succeeding in school and becoming healthier citizens. New for 2010, USTA Serves has begun granting money to programs for children of deployed military personnel who are at particular risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties
Born from neighborhood action to revitalize Davenport's older neighborhoods, United Neighbors serves individuals and families in need through social and cultural interaction and educational experiences. It is neighborhood-controlled and assists primarily low-and moderate-income residents. USTA Serves grant funds will support the organization's afterschool and summer programming which provides a safe and healthy environment where children can play tennis and have access to computers. Serving 250 children, United Neighbors youth programs empower youth to support and influence their community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self image, and respect their own and other's cultural identities.
"USTA Serves is excited to continue investing financial and other resources to support organizations that believe in the powerful combination of tennis and education," said Deborah Slaner Larkin, Executive Director, USTA Serves. "We are proud of United Neighbor's expertise, commitment and passion, and commend the organization for making an impact in the lives of the people they serve."
