Statewide mini-pitch program accepting grant applications to construct an additional 30 fields
ATLANTA (Aug. 15 , 2023) — The Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF), an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, today announced it has awarded an additional $3.36 million for the next phase of the GA 100 campaign to construct up to 30 additional mini-pitches across the state. AUCF is now accepting requests for proposals in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) for a matching grant of up to $100,000. GA 100 is a campaign with the goal of constructing up to 100 mini-pitches in under-resourced communities across Georgia.
GA 100 launched in 2020 when the Atlanta United Community Fund awarded $1.6 million to LISC to lead installation of the first 20 mini-pitches across the state. Seventeen organizations have received grants, and all 20 pitches are either completed or in development. Select organizations who have demonstrated their ability to raise cash funds or in-kind support will be awarded the matching grant of up to $100,000. Upon completion of this phase, the project is expected to reach its midway point of 50 mini-pitches. Organizations from all corners of Georgia have been awarded grants including Brunswick, Bainbridge, Canton, Gainesville, Hogansville, Mableton and Savannah.
For more information and to apply for GA 100, visit atlutd.com/ga100. The deadline for proposal submissions is Oct. 30, 2023.
“Growing up in an underrepresented community, I am all too familiar with the life-changing impact that projects like GA 100 can have on a child," said Jackie Poulakos, Atlanta United Community Fund committee member. “This impact goes well beyond the pitch or the field to opportunities I would not have otherwise received had someone not ‘seen me’. The fact that I now get to be part of the Atlanta United Community Fund committee that will touch lives just like mine, is a dream come true.”
LISC – the nation’s leading community development support organization – identifies local, nonprofit and community-based agencies wishing to build or refurbish soccer mini-pitches at schools, neighborhood parks and other recreation spaces in Georgia neighborhoods. Once approved by AUCF, the local organizations receive financing and technical assistance to improve the quality and safety of mini-pitches in their communities. The organizations then oversee the construction, maintenance and programming of the fields.
“Ready access to safe, well-maintained places to gather and play is key to the health and well-being of children and adults in all communities” said Beverly Smith, vice president, LISC Sports & Recreation. “LISC is pleased to partner with the Atlanta United Community Fund in the continued support of the creation of mini-pitch soccer fields within the state of Georgia through the GA 100 campaign.”
AUCF is part of a unique grantmaking program at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. It is led by a committee of Blank Family of Businesses associates who inform funding priorities, evaluate grant applications, conduct site visits and monitor the impact of their grants.
About The Atlanta United Community Fund
The Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) strives to make the game of soccer accessible and inclusive for individuals across the state of Georgia. Through the global game of soccer, our grant programs stress the importance of physical fitness while building a supportive culture of play and sportsmanship. AUCF invests in nonprofit organizations that make soccer fun, exciting and accessible for individuals who otherwise would not get to participate. AUCF is an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
About LISC
LISC is one of the country's largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. We work with residents and partners to close systemic gaps in health, wealth and opportunity and advance racial equity so that people and places can thrive. Since our founding in 1979, LISC has invested $29.7 billion to create more than 489,000 affordable homes and apartments, develop 81.4 million square feet of retail, community, and educational space and help tens of thousands of people find employment and improve their finances. For more, visit www.lisc.org.