About
The Sports ETA Sports Legacy Fund awards an annual grant and sports equipment donation to an organization in need in the host city of the Symposium. We are proud to announce we have donated over $215,000 to programs in need, since the Sports Legacy Fund was established in 2003.
The program was originally developed by the St. Petersburg/ Clearwater Sports Commission as an equipment donation program. The Sports Legacy Fund is a way for members of the sports events and tourism industry to make a personal and lasting impact on the lives of underprivileged youth sports programs throughout the country.
An emphasis is placed on donations to not-for profit organizations that provide individuals, particularly at-risk youth, veterans, or physically or intellectually disabled individuals, opportunities to participate in sport and encourage healthy lifestyles. This contribution is part of the legacy the Sports ETA leaves in each host city.
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2026 Beneficiary: Nevada Youth Sports
The Nevada Youth Sports Community Impact Fund is a transformative initiative focused on empowering young athletes across Nevada by addressing their physical, mental, and financial well-being. At its heart, the fund is committed to building a more inclusive and supportive sports community—one that nurtures the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Fund Purpose and Vision
This initiative is designed to remove barriers to youth sports participation and create meaningful opportunities for growth. By prioritizing holistic development, the NYS Community Impact Fund ensures that young athletes are supported not just in competition, but also in their personal lives, education, and emotional well-being.
Pillars of Service
The fund’s work is anchored in four strategic pillars:
• Partnerships with Credible Nonprofits: Collaborating with trusted organizations to deliver programs that enhance the mental, emotional, and physical health of student-athletes.
• Mentorship and Academic Development: Providing structured mentorship, leadership training, and academic support to help youth build confidence and excel beyond the field.
• Financial Aid for Families in Need: Offering direct financial assistance to families facing hardship, ensuring that no child is excluded from participating in sports due to economic challenges.
• Coaching Development: Investing in the training and certification of coaches, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to positively shape the lives of their players—on and off the field.
Expanding Reach Through the Sports ETA Sports Legacy Fund
Through generous grant funding, the NYS Foundation is actively implementing these service pillars. In its first year, with an inaugural budget of $80,000, the fund is expected to directly support between 160 and 200 families. The long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: reaching 3,750 families within five years, representing 25% of all NYS families.
In addition to supporting families, the fund addresses a growing demand for certified game officials. With NYS offering multiple sports year-round, well-trained officials are essential to ensuring fair, consistent, and high-quality gameplay. This investment strengthens the sports experience for everyone—athletes, coaches, and families alike.
To illustrate the impact: a single $2,500 grant can certify 24 game officials. In volleyball alone, this level of investment can positively influence the experience of over 180,000 participants every year.
The NYS Community Impact Fund is more than an investment in sports—it’s an investment in community, in leadership, and in the future of Nevada’s youth. Every dollar helps remove a barrier, support a family, or empower a coach. Together, we’re not just strengthening the game—we’re uplifting the lives behind it.
How to contribute
1. Donate an item to the silent auction & raffle
2. Donate funds through your Sports ETA account
3. Purchase raffle tickets and bid on auction items in person at the Sports ETA Symposium
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Need ideas on what to donate - check out our Amazon Wishlist for the Silent Auction & Raffle here.
Questions?
Contact Matt Prewitt, Committee Chair, matt@travelbutlercounty.com
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