GEORGIA TENNIS FOUNDATION INC

The Georgia Tennis Foundation (GTF) was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1983. Its mission is to grow and enhance tennis in the state of Georgia by providing philanthropic community tennis programs with an emphasis on youth development and preserving the history of tennis in Georgia. The GTF provides funds to both the community and individuals, serving all races, genders and economic groups in the state of Georgia. The GTF recognizes the value of tennis as a healthy sport that can open many doors for those who learn the game of tennis. Since its beginning in 1983, the Georgia Tennis Foundation has provided community tennis programs. Through its initiative, Jack Waters TENNIS SERVES, Joe Dorn FIRST SERVE introduces disadvantaged youth tennis to prevent obesity, violence, drug and alcohol abuse. Ned Neely SECOND SERVE provides a pathway for these children to continue tennis through a system of referral for team play and also provides financial assistance for continued play in tournaments by assisting with expenses and travel to talented junior tennis players, as well as to those who aspire to play on the ATP or WTA tour to help coaching and tournament travel. In addition, the Georgia Tennis Foundation has served the wheelchair and events such as the Atlanta Senior Invitational, providing grants to tournaments and programs as requested in the state of Georgia. The life sport of tennis embodies etiquette, sportsmanship, self-esteem, problem solving and self-control. These life skills and additional educational elements are integrated throughout tennis programs and instructors routinely demonstrate how they apply to situations in all aspects of life. In 2015, GTF summer programs at the Y's, Boys & Girls club, Washington Park and Rome, Georgia had over 9,000 participants and served over 25,000 meals. To date, the First Serve Tennis Georgia programs have supported over 51 community centers and introduced over 84,000 youth to tennis. We’ve created a great structure for the Joe Dorn First Serve grants and strive to sustain growth through the Foundation’s strategic partnerships with USTA Georgia, ALTA Foundation, Coca Cola Foundation, Arthur Blank Youth Foundation and other community supporters who are passionate about tennis and the GTF mission. It is our goal to expand the format of the First Serve program to a statewide footprint to all YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Clubs and other community centers that can grow tennis in Georgia and increase our support of talented junior tennis players and aspiring young pros.