USTA Foundation “Rally for the Future” Campaign Donations Reached $10 Million in 2021

Y. David Scharf, treasurer and member of the board of directors of The United States Tennis Association Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association, is delighted to announce that the Foundation raised more than $10 million in 2021, the first year of its three-year, $20 million fundraising campaign.

The Foundation, which supports programs nationwide that provide free or low-cost tennis, education, and health initiatives for under-resourced youths, was able to distribute $6 million to National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters and add 35 new chapters across the United States. The additional funds will be utilized for ongoing programming, including NJTL chapters, grants, and scholarships. The Foundation also funded more than $441,000 in scholarships for 47 student leaders in 2021. 

Last year also saw some major wins for NJTL players, who were supported by the Foundation’s Excellence Program, which ensures coaching and resources to young players with the most desire, athletic potential, and financial need. Robin Montgomery, 17, a product of an NJTL in College Park, MD, became the first player in 17 years, and first American since 1992, to win both the junior girls' singles and doubles titles at the US Open. Clervie Ngounoue, 15, from an NJTL chapter in Silver Spring, MD won her first Junior Grand Slam at the Australian Open, while her brother Carel Ngounoue, 13, reached the singles final at Les Petits As Junior Championships in France.

“I am so proud to be part of the USTA Foundation, which provides life-changing opportunities and support to thousands of underserved children,” Scharf said. “The USTA Foundation met the significant challenges of 2021 and exceeded all expectations.”