Golf4Hope Turned Fund for Hope

Just a few short months ago we were preparing for our third annual golf fundraiser, Golf4Hope, which was scheduled to take place this Friday, June 26th.

In early April, after a few weeks of the Safer at Home order here in Wisconsin, we experienced a strong desire to turn feelings of fear and helplessness into action.  We cancelled Golf4Hope, established our COVID-19 Fund for Hope, pivoted our funding priorities and created an additional rolling grant cycle to support the work of young people in responding to the effects of COVID-19 in their communities.

We’ve received 50 applications from around the world and have funded 7 projects to date, totaling $12,209.  With more to come.

Less than two months later, in the wake of the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, among countless others, it became abundantly clear that more action was needed.  We again pivoted our funding to include initiatives that support the movement for racial equality.  What was once our COVID-19 Fund for Hope is now simply called Fund for Hope to allow us to support the work of young people in addressing a broad base of immediate needs.

Our grant making is rooted in relationship building so the last several months have included numerous virtual calls with potential grantees to assist with project development and the grant writing process.  Each conversation leaves us more optimistic for what the future holds.  Young people are beacons of hope, and when provided with a seat at the table, they are a positive force to be reckoned with.

As our country continues to navigate COVID-19 and revolutionary change for racial equality that is long overdue, we invite you to join us in turning thoughts into action.  Although we won’t be on the golf course on Friday, you can still experience the thrill of a hole-in-one by making a contribution to our Fund for Hope or by taking other action to eradicate racial injustice, support those suffering from the effects of the pandemic, and elevate the voices of young people in any way possible.  If you’ve been waiting for the right time…it’s now.