Donor FAQs

Donor FAQs and possible statement that can be placed on Tennis Success platforms. 

• Why is Tennis Success introducing program fees? 

• Tennis Success has provided free programming for years thanks to the generosity of donors, grants, sponsors, and volunteers. As participation has continued to grow, so have the costs of operating high-quality year-round programs. 

 

The introduction of a modest income-based fee structure is designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the organization while ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to participate because of financial circumstances. 

• Does this mean Tennis Success is no longer serving underserved youth? 

• No. 

Serving underserved and at-risk youth remains at the heart of Tennis Success’s mission. Families with the greatest financial need will continue to receive free participation, while families with greater financial means will contribute a modest weekly fee based on a published income-based matrix. 

This approach allows Tennis Success to serve more youth while preserving access for those who need it most. 

 

• Will donor support still be needed? 

• Absolutely. 

Program fees will cover only a portion of the actual cost of operating Tennis Success programs. 

Donor support continues to fund many essential services, including: 

• Tennis instruction 

• Educational programming 

• Leadership development 

• Healthy living activities 

• Scholarships 

• Adaptive tennis programming 

• Equipment assistance 

• School supplies 

• Tournament opportunities 

• Facility improvements 

 

Every donated dollar continues to have a direct impact on the youth served. 

 

• How are program fees determined? 

• Program fees are based on an income-based matrix developed using federal income guidelines and household size. 

 

Families requesting reduced-cost or free participation must provide income verification during the registration process. This ensures that financial assistance is distributed fairly and consistently. 

 

• What is the maximum fee a family will pay? 

• The maximum program fee is $25 per week per participant. 

 

Even at the maximum fee, families are paying only a portion of the actual cost of providing Tennis Success programming. 

 

• How will Tennis Success ensure that no child is turned away? 

• Financial accessibility remains a core value of Tennis Success. 

 

The income-based fee structure is designed to remove financial barriers while asking families with greater financial means to share in the cost of programming. 

 

Tennis Success remains committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate regardless of their family’s financial situation. 

 

• How will donated resources be used? 

• Donated resources will continue to support youth participating in Tennis Success programs. 

 

Items such as rackets, shoes, apparel, school supplies, and other assistance will continue to be distributed according to organizational policies, participant needs, and available donor funding. 

 

• How does this change strengthen Tennis Success? 

• The new fee structure will help: 

• Increase long-term financial sustainability. 

• Diversify revenue sources. 

• Reduce reliance on a single funding source. 

• Allow donor dollars to have an even greater impact. 

• Expand programming to serve more youth throughout the Coastal Bend. 

 

• Why should donors continue to invest in Tennis Success? 

• Donor support remains critical because it allows Tennis Success to provide comprehensive youth development programming—not just tennis instruction. 

 

Every contribution helps provide opportunities that extend beyond the court, including academic support, leadership development, healthy living education, mentoring, scholarships, and safe places for youth to learn and grow. 

 

Core Message for Donors & Community Partners 

The introduction of an income-based fee structure is not a change in our mission; it is a strategy to protect it. By asking families to contribute according to their financial ability, Tennis Success can remain financially sustainable while continuing to provide high quality programs and ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to participate because of cost. 

 

Fees support sustainability. Donors expand opportunity.