• Tennis Initiatives

    Diversity & Inclusion:
 Tennis For All

    USTA Northern California firmly upholds the belief that tennis is open to everyone, dedicating itself to being a model of inclusivity and equity throughout the entire community. Beyond being strategic priorities, diversity, inclusion and equity are core values ingrained in the organization.

    Our mission centers on addressing the evolving demographics of our communities, fostering inclusiveness and weaving our fundamental values into daily operations. USTA NorCal actively encourages and embraces the participation of all individuals who seek engagement with our organization. By honoring and leveraging diverse leadership, thought, expertise, cultural heritage and individual differences, we ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of tennis.

    Diversity Objectives

    Reflect the Communities We Serve

    Operate programs with an awareness of cultural differences to ensure that our offerings are enjoyed by everyone.

    Inclusive Content

    Reflect and embody the true diversity of Northern California in our outward-facing content and materials.

    Diversity Supplier

    Forge strategic partnerships with organizations actively engaged in diverse communities and ensure that diverse suppliers play a key role in our process.

    Community Partnership

    Cultivate and support tennis programs and events with a primary objective of providing access to the sport for under-resourced communities.

    Tennis for All – Diversity & Inclusion

    We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce within the NorCal tennis industry, spanning our staff, volunteers, coaches, officials and tournament directors.

    Diversity Initiatives & Resources

    Facilities

    This grant offers funding to assist and expand community tennis activities. All applicants who plan to promote and develop the growth of tennis in their respective communities and have met the requirements are to be considered. Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) and Parks & Recreation grants are need-based and awarded depending on availability.

    Apply
    Players

    This grant focuses on support for programs and initiatives that meet the recreational needs of individuals with physical, mental or emotional challenges. All ages and abilities are welcome to apply.

    Apply Now

    The purpose of this grant is to support the development of players ages 4 – 18 (senior in high school) in our section. We aim to encourage the pathway of USTA and Youth Development Programs. We want to inspire players to use their talents in a competitive atmosphere. Applicants can only apply one time for the year. Grants are awarded monthly at up to $300.

    Info & Apply

    Hello! Welcome to the USTA Northern California Wheelchair Player Grant. The purpose of this grant is to support the development of wheelchair tennis players of all ages in our section. We aim to encourage the pathway of USTA Wheelchair Tennis Programs. We want to inspire players to use their talents in a competitive atmosphere. Applicants can only apply one time for the year. Grants are reviewed and awarded monthly in the amount of $500 and may be based on financial need.

    Info & Apply

    The TAG program provides economically disadvantaged junior players with a discount on junior tournament entry fees. Funding for this program is determined on an annual basis by the USTA NorCal Board of Directors. CLICK HERE to learn about Eligibility, Reimbursement, Approved Tournaments and more for this program.

    To apply for the TAG Program, complete this application and submit it together with the most recently filed federal tax return.

    Apply Now
    Providers

    This is Incentive funding to promote Pro Circuit tournaments in the local NorCal community. Funding must be used to enhance your tournament and support community outreach through tennis-based activities. Tournaments must meet specific funding requirements on the application to ensure eligibility for this incentive funding grant. Funding will be granted after the completion of the tournament and the satisfaction of the requirements. Note: the funding amount will be determined by the number of required events completed. A written accountability report and pictures will be required after the tournament to receive funding. Please submit to: silva@norcal.usta.com.

    • Amount: Up to $7,500
    Apply Now

    This opportunity aids National Junior Tennis & Learning chapters in providing free or low-cost tennis and education programs. The focus is on overall youth well-being, including academic enrichment and life skills. The purpose of this grant is to internally support our local NJTL Chapters outside of National funding cycles. An NJTL can apply for a local grant of up to $10,000. The funds are to be used for overhead costs, equipment expenses, scholarships the NJTL may give internally, etc.

    Info & Apply

    The purpose of this grant is to empower community leaders by supporting the development of upcoming Coaches through program support to include but not limited to certification, curriculum development, basic equipment needs, etc. The funds must be used for certification (USPTA/PTR), conference registration (USPTA/PTR), advertising of program(s) (i.e. flyers or social media ads) or basic equipment. Payment is given in two installments. Applicants can only apply one time for the year. Grants are awarded up to $600.

    Info & Apply

    This stipend provides financial support to not-for-profit USTA Member Organizations that promote recreational or competitive programs which may include: tournament, exhibitions, clinics, or instructional camps for junior and adult wheelchair tennis players. Tennis programs that integrate wheelchair4 tennis players in activities with their peers, whether able-bodied or disabled, are encouraged to apply.

    Info & Apply
    Schools

    This grant is offered to support USTA NorCal’s After-School H.I.T.S. low-cost tennis program for kids 10 and under, emphasizing team sports and life skills. Grants are available to support the initiation of H.I.T.S. programs.

    Apply Now

    These grants assist high school tennis programs with equipment (e.g., tennis balls, carts, ball mowers, windscreens), uniforms, other ancillary costs associated with high school team tennis and help promote tennis in the neighborhood or city where the high school is located.

    • Amount: Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and will be administered on a need basis, prioritizing Title I schools in which students from low-income families make up at least 40% of enrollment.
    • All submitters must be Safe Play approved before the grant can be awarded.
    Info & Apply
    • Offers a one-time grant up to $10,000 awarded to the athletic department if the school actively operates a tennis facility as a new “Collegiate Community Hub”.
    • For more information, visit: Collegiate Community Hub Grant
    Apply
    • Receive support when hosting a TOC team event in NorCal
    • Host experience, number of participating teams, and the duration of the event may determine the total approximate support offered
    • Tournament results must be inputted in Serve Tennis and the Tournament Director is required to be Safe Play approved
    • NorCal TOC teams can receive support when hosting or even attending an event outside of the section. Find more on the form linked below
    Apply
    • This is a support grant provided to NorCal’s National bid recipients each school year
    • To receive a National bid, a team must be a top finisher during NorCal’s TOC Sectional Championship
      • NorCal will receive 3 National bids with 13 competing schools
    • Cal, UC Davis, Santa Clara, and Stanford will receive for the 2024-25 school year
    More Info
    Scholarships

    The Tyler Nii Memorial Scholarship, honoring a cherished member of USTA Northern California’s tennis community, awards $1,500 each to one male and one female high school tennis player annually. Beyond academic achievements, this scholarship values the essence of the player— their dedication to tennis, team spirit, and community involvement. Emphasizing personal qualities, the scholarship seeks individuals who inspire through their commitment, resilience, and passion for the game. The awards ceremony takes place at USTA NorCal’s annual Junior Awards Party, a celebration of outstanding junior players and their achievements within our tennis community.

    • Amount: $1,500 (awarded for one male and one female)
    • Requirements: As a general rule, applicants will be evaluated on the following attributes and his/her relationship to tennis and the community: (1) Player must participate in a high school varsity tennis program: a junior or senior boy or girl. (2) Be a current USTA individual member in good standing. (3) Be a positive ambassador for USTA. (4) Display good sportsmanship, a positive attitude and a love for the game of tennis. (5) Provide two letters of recommendation (one from a coach and one from a fellow teammate).
    • Stay tuned for more information on the 2025 application process.
    • Contact: To learn more about this scholarship, please email marketing@norcal.usta.com.

    To help support keeping the Tyler Nii Scholarship Award funded, please click here.

    USTA NorCal’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee offers four annual scholarships to support the Level One strategic priority of diversity with a multicultural focus. These scholarships support and encourage multicultural participation among high school students entering college.

    • Amount: $8,000 ($2,000 awarded per year for four years)
    • Requirements: A completed application; personal essay answering one of the three questions listed; two letters of recommendation; resume to include tennis record, awards/honors, volunteer activities, extra-curricular activities; high school transcript; letter of intent and/or acceptance of university attending.
    • FAQs: Learn more.
    • 2026 application information coming soon.
    • Contact: Cherryl Silva at 510-224-7304

    Scholarships for Tennis Players

    The United States Tennis Association of Northern California offers four Champions of Character Scholarships every year. These four-year scholarships are designed to support and encourage multicultural tennis participation among high school students entering college.

    Even though applicants must be tennis players, the scholarships are awarded based on the merit of the character of the applicant, and how they embody and connect with the scholarhip’s namesake.

    The review committee looks at the following criteria:

    1. Academic Merit
    2. Written Narrative
    3. Financial Need
    4. Unusual Force of Character (X-Factor)
    5. Community Service Leadership

    Contact Cherryl Silva at silva@norcal.usta.com for questions.