New Balance Foundation Awards $225,000 NB SparkStart Grant to Tenacity
Boston, MA, October 24, 2016 – Tenacity has been awarded a $225,000 SparkStart Grant by the New Balance Foundation. The award continues the New Balance Foundation’s longtime support of Tenacity’s programs with an increase of $50,000 over the previous year’s grant. The grant will be used to support Tenacity’s Pathway to Post-Secondary Success and Summer Tennis & Reading programs.
Tenacity partners with Boston Public Schools, Boston Parks & Recreation, and community organizations to provide school-based and out-of-school time academic and social support as well as tennis and fitness instruction. Since 2002, the New Balance Foundation has contributed over $1.1M to support Tenacity’s school-year and summer programs. In addition to the foundation grant, New Balance Athletics, Inc. is providing approximately $60,000 worth of athletic shoes and apparel for staff and kids. Launched in fall 2016, the Tenacity/New Balance SERVE Mentor Program connects New Balance associates with students from the Jackson Mann School in Brighton. Over 20 associates will use their personal and professional skills in Tenacity’s weekly programs, helping students with homework, literacy and tennis/fitness activities.
“We’re honored to receive such a substantial gift from the New Balance Foundation,” said Ned Eames, Tenacity Founder and CEO. “Tenacity’s programs help narrow the opportunity and achievements gaps for Boston students from under-resourced communities and support from partners like New Balance help move our mission forward.”
Tenacity was founded in 1999 and serves over 6,000 youth and young adults from Boston. Our mission is to enable post-secondary success by improving the scholastic, character and physical development of less advantaged urban youth through a combination of literacy, life skills development, family engagement, and fitness/tennis. Tenacity is committed to improving life opportunities for underserved Boston youth.
“Tenacity and New Balance Foundation share a commitment to building successful futures through health, fitness and academics. We are pleased to support Tenacity’s growth and we are excited to add an employee volunteer program element to our relationship this year,” shared Molly Santry, Senior Manager, Global Philanthropy at the New Balance Foundation.
New Balance SparkStart is a global initiative of New Balance Athletics, Inc. and the New Balance Foundation. The mission of NB SparkStart is to improve the health, well-being and self-esteem of children through movement. Through grants, global volunteerism, associate engagement, New Balance athlete involvement, product donations, retail events and consumer engagement, New Balance SparkStart will inspire children around the world to discover how they love to move.
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About the New Balance Foundation
The New Balance Foundation’s mission is to support charitable organizations whose humanitarian efforts work for the betterment of our children and communities with a principal focus on promoting healthy lifestyles while working towards the prevention of childhood obesity.