Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Awards $10M Grant to First Tee

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla., and ATLANTA – Youth development organization First Tee has announced a significant $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, aimed at expanding its impact through First Tee Chapters located in PGA TOUR Superstore markets nationwide. This landmark funding, revealed on Friday, marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing partnership between the two entities, which dates back over 25 years, beginning with an initial investment in First Tee – Metro Atlanta.

Since its inception in 1999, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has committed more than $25 million to support First Tee’s mission of helping young people develop life skills through golf. According to the National Golf Foundation, the sport's popularity among youth is on the rise, with approximately 3.7 million juniors expected to participate in 2024. This grant is intended to ensure that children from diverse backgrounds have increased access to both the game of golf and its associated values.

Arthur Blank, the owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, expressed his commitment to youth development through sports. "Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that’s no coincidence. It’s a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people," he stated. Blank has served as a National Trustee of First Tee since 2011, and his foundation's support has been pivotal in reaching over three million youth each year through golf courses, schools, and community centers.

The new funding will enhance existing programs and create new opportunities for youth engagement, particularly in the following areas:

1. **Chapter Grants**: First Tee Chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets will receive direct financial support to foster youth development in both life skills and golf skills. Previously awarded grants have positively impacted 50 First Tee chapters, with plans for expansion as the PGA TOUR Superstore continues to grow its presence. 2. **Leadership Series**: PGA TOUR Superstore general managers will conduct a five-week leadership series designed to help teens identify their strengths and explore potential career pathways. This initiative has already been implemented at 44 locations in 2024, with ambitions to expand to 70 by 2029. 3. **Leadership Summit**: Every summer since 2021, Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana, has hosted 40 First Tee teens for a leadership development experience involving various outdoor activities designed to foster personal growth and relationship-building.

Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "This incredible partnership with the Blank Family of Businesses reflects our shared commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive youth development. We are grateful to Arthur Blank, who has been a longtime, committed supporter of First Tee. This transformative investment will allow us to introduce more youth to golf, keep them engaged with First Tee, and teach them essential life skills like leadership and teamwork."

The announcement occurred during a week-long program in Atlanta that welcomed 48 First Tee teens from various regions, providing them insight into organizational leadership through visits to key locations, including the PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters and the Atlanta Falcons training facility. The official check presentation for the grant will take place on Friday afternoon, featuring remarks from Fay Twersky, president of the foundation, and other leaders involved in the initiative.

The First Tee employs an evidence-based curriculum that combines golf instruction with life skills education, reaching youth aged 7-18 worldwide. The organization is dedicated to empowering young people to thrive as golfers and as individuals. In recognition of his generous contributions, First Tee presented Arthur Blank with its Founders Award in 2022. For further information on First Tee’s programs, please visit www.firsttee.org.