ATL Standard

The Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) has announced the allocation of $865,000 in grants aimed at creating or refurbishing 10 additional mini-pitches through its GA 100 initiative. This program seeks to construct up to 100 mini-pitches in under-resourced communities across Georgia. With this latest round of funding, the total number of pitches either completed or underway reaches 40, spanning 30 different non-profit organizations.

The AUCF operates as an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a prominent community development support organization. The next phase of GA 100 will open for requests for proposals on February 15, offering eligible organizations a chance to apply for matching grants of up to $100,000 per pitch.

“These 10 new mini-pitches mark an exciting milestone in the momentum of GA 100,” said Skate Noftsinger, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Atlanta United. “With 40 pitches now completed or in development, this program is reaching communities in every corner of Georgia and making an investment in the future by giving kids and families across the state a place to enjoy soccer and build lasting connections.”

Details on applying for these grants can be found at atlutd.com/ga100.

The following organizations will receive funding to build mini-pitches:

- Stephens County School District in Toccoa

- Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation in McDonough

- Irwin County Recreation Department in Ocilla

- Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier in Mount Airy

- The Clarkston Community Center Foundation, Inc. in Clarkston

- Atrium Health Floyd and Town of Trion in Trion

- Atrium Health Floyd and YMCA of Rome Floyd County in Rome

- Atrium Health Floyd and City of Rockmart in Rockmart

- Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta – A. Worley Brown Club in Norcross

- YMCA of Metro Atlanta – South Dekalb Family YMCA in Decatur

Since its launch in 2020 with an initial $1.6 million grant from AUCF to LISC, GA 100 has awarded funds to build the first phase's mini-pitches across Georgia. In 2023, AUCF increased its commitment by investing another $3.36 million towards constructing more pitches statewide.

Organizations capable of raising cash or providing substantial support are eligible for these matching grants. Communities all over Georgia have benefited from these initiatives including Augusta, Brunswick, Cedartown, Gainesville, Hogansville, Rome, Savannah among others.

LISC identifies local agencies interested in building or refurbishing soccer pitches at various locations like schools and parks within Georgia neighborhoods. Once approved by AUCF, these agencies receive financial support and technical assistance to enhance their community spaces.

“No community is complete without public spaces where young people and adults can gather to play, talk and get to know each other,” said Beverly Smith, LISC’s vice president of Sports & Recreation. “The GA 100 initiative has a major role in creating those spaces in neighborhoods that need them.”

AUCF's leadership consists of associates from the Blank Family Businesses who set funding priorities, review applications, conduct site visits and assess grant impacts.