Through a new grant program called Sport for Health, the Trail Blazers Foundation has awarded a total of $102,000 to eight local nonprofit organizations this month. Sport for Health grants target nonprofit organizations focused on serving youth with a mission, primary goal or existing program that encourages kids and families to be more physically active.
Sport for Health is the latest granting process launched through the Trail Blazers Foundation, bringing the total granted from the foundation to communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington to $403,233 for the 2014-15 season. This includes support for 41 nonprofit organizations, 17 local schools and tuition for six students to attend college. Additional company giving this season brings the organization’s total contribution to $662,583 for its 2014-15 fiscal year.
“Active kids are more successful – in school and in life – and inactivity is pervasive in our communities,” said Trail Blazers President & CEO Chris McGowan. “Sport is the core of our organization, and our goal is to support other organizations that provide opportunities and inspire kids to get active and moving through play.”
The Trail Blazers awarded eight Sport for Health grants of up to $15,000 this year. Below is a list of the recipients and the opportunities afforded by the grants:
- AC Portland – Expansion of their basketball program from four schools to eight schools.
- Adelante Mujeres – Support for the Chicas Soccer Academy and Healthy Lifestyle Camp for Latina girls.
- Circus Project – Expansion of the Social Circus program to offer more tuition-free spots for low-income and homeless youth in after-school programming, year round instruction, drop-in hours and classes.
- Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest – Additional enCourage Girls Groups as part of the Sporting Chance after-school program offering sessions for girls to explore options for outdoor adventure.
- Native American Youth & Family Center – Sixth annual Neerchokikoo Powwow including teaching dance and regalia making all year and supporting healthy, traditional physical activity.
- Open Meadow Alternative Schools – PE budget and additional funds for non-traditional sport participation.
- Oregon Disability Sports – Youth sports programming including facility rental, adaptive equipment, coaches, and activities and tournaments for youth with physical disabilities.
- Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation and Health Center – Expansion of the Journey through Wellness program to Beaverton High School to lead disadvantaged youth in active outdoor adventures.
“Active Children (AC) Portland is proud to partner with a fantastic organization like The Portland Trail Blazers,” said Ben Dudley, Executive Director of Active Children Portland. “Thanks to the Sport for Health grant, we'll be able to expand our youth basketball program to four more schools and make a greater impact in our local communities.”
Priority for funding was awarded to organizations that not only focus on activity for kids, but those that serve specific populations and communities that are historically underserved, and show evidence of collaboration with other organizations in their communities.