The New Jersey Golf Foundation, the charitable arm of the New Jersey Section, PGA of America, has been selected to receive funding through a dedicated grant program operated by the golf industry’s DEI campaign, “Make Golf Your Thing.”
As one of 81 designated organizations across the U.S., the NJGF was chosen for its efforts to increase golf participation among underrepresented populations of the sport.
Initially introduced in 2021, the grant program — through its latest round of funding — has now issued 155 grants to 111 unique organizations overall, totaling more than $1 million to date.
“This grant will be used to support the NJGF’s line-up of dynamic programming, as we continue to introduce the game of golf to diverse individuals in underserved communities,” Chris Hunt, executive director, New Jersey Golf Foundation, said.
The NJGF is committed to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf, with a focus on three core pillars: youth, military and special needs. Under the guidance of PGA professionals, programming is designed to provide individuals from all backgrounds with an opportunity to experience the game of golf in a welcoming environment.
The grant program was established to support organizations or programs dedicated to increasing golf participation among underrepresented populations in the sport (i.e., Black, Latinx, Asian and Indigenous communities, as well as women, LGBTQI+ individuals, veterans and individuals with disabilities). The program is being financially supported by industry partners committed to helping make the game more welcoming and inclusive for all.
Signature NJGF programs include Golf in Schools, which is run annually at more than 200 schools across New Jersey, impacting more than 120,000 boys and girls (K-8); PGA Junior League, which features more than 80 teams and 1,300 kids under the age of 13 throughout New Jersey; Special Olympics New Jersey Golf; and PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a rehabilitative golf program for military veterans that is saving lives.
Formally launched in May 2021, Make Golf Your Thing is the industry’s movement to make golf accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. Led by six cross-industry work groups, the initiative is specifically focused on: education & skill development, talent acquisition, procurement, human resources, youth & adult player development and marketing/communications.
