The Act Foundation

The ACT Foundation makes it possible for youth sports programs to apply for grants.

Sports Should Be For Everybody

Who We Are
501(c)(3) youth sports organizations servicing kids participating in sports including, but not limited to, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, football, hockey, lacrosse, track and field, swimming, field hockey, gymnastics, tennis, etc.

The ACT Foundation was specifically designed to help kids play sports. Today, too often our kids are not physically active which can lead to obesity, heart disease, depression, mood swings, a lack of social skills, and a host of health issues. Gone are the days that kids could simply walk outside and find a group of other kids to play with for many reasons. We find our kids are often consumed with social media, electronic games, watching television, texting, and are otherwise engaged in a sedentary lifestyle. ACT was designed to bridge the gap and provide all kids with access to organized sports.

How We Started
The ACT Foundation was started by a philanthropist that loved sports. He saw a need to help youth sporting teams that were not being addressed by many communities and organizations. Many times he would see our youth on the side of the road trying to raise money for their teams or organizations by having car washes, selling calendars, selling raffle tickets, or by having other fundraising events. Parents would be complaining about facilities, fields, equipment, and the cancellation of youth sports activities. It was a need being addressed by few.

Who We Work With
We work with all organizations that are non-profits servicing any youth sports. ACT will consider applications from all such organizations based on a host of factors including, but not limited to, the organization’s financial needs, mission statement, vision, goals, etc. If the organization is helping kids exercise, be physically active, communicate, compete, play, and build relationships outside the home then we are excited to help.

Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions.

Benefits of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as:

Heart disease
Cancer
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Obesity

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition recommend that children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance (e.g., memory), and classroom behaviors (e.g., on-task behavior).

Today, Less than one-quarter (24%) of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Low-income kids are 6 times more likely to quit sports due to costs.

Mission
Sports should be for everybody. The act foundation makes it possible for youth sports organizations to thrive through our grants. Achieving athletic excellence should not be limited by individuals’ access to appropriate funding at the youth sports level.

Vision
Our vision is that any child that wishes to play sports can.

Values
We believe that every youth sports organization should be able to flourish without any financial struggles.

Frequently Asked Questions
What type of organization can apply?
Any organizations that are approved as a 501(c)(3) and that are assisting kids to participate in youth sports.

How do we apply?
Simply fill out our application online or it can be mailed to The ACT Foundation, 469 Centerville Road, Suite 206, Warwick, RI 02886.

When do we apply?
You can apply at any time. Applications are reviewed on a first come first serve basis. Please check our website for sport specific deadlines.

How do we know if our application was received?
You will receive confirmation by email or mail depending on how you applied.

How must the grant be used?
The grant can be used for: building, repairing or upgrading athletic facilities; providing equipment or uniforms for the sport; providing youth with access to play or participate in a sport; hiring coaches; paying for referees; paying for training; travel and game expenses; hosting events and tournaments, fundraising, advertising, website design, etc.

Apply
We’d love to help you provide youth sports for all. Please fill out the below application. You are welcome to email us with any questions administration@theactfoundation.org. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be acted upon based on the season of the sport and your immediate needs and goals.

CONTACT THE ACT FOUNDATION:

ADDRESS: 469 Centerville Road Suite 206 Warwick, RI 02886
PHONE: (401) 384-7177
EMAIL: administration@theactfoundation.org