THE PLAYERS Championship is one of the top sporting events of the year. But it’s more than that. THE PLAYERS — including the athletes, staff, volunteers and partners — continues to be a critical source of financial support for area charities and the people they serve.
This is accomplished through a variety of means, and in many cases you can help.
BIRDIES FOR CHARITY
This fundraising platform is available to all nonprofits based in Northeast Florida.
How it works: Charitable organizations invite their supporters to make a minimum $20 contribution to guess the number of birdies that will be made during the competitive rounds of THE PLAYERS Championship (Thursday-Sunday). A person guessing the exact number of birdies will have the chance to win a grand prize of $10,000.
Participating charities will receive 100% of every pledge collected for their organization, as well as funding from a bonus pool provided by THE PLAYERS.
Who is eligible: Each participating charity must be a 501(c)3 designated nonprofit organization located in or providing services in at least one of the following counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and/or St. Johns.
Learn more at: theplayers.com/birdies.
CHIP-IN FOR CHARITY
Chip-in for Charity offers nonprofit organizations a chance to receive $40 from every competition round ticket (Thursday-Sunday) purchased in their name.
Who is eligible: Each participating charity must be a 501(c)3 designated nonprofit organization located in or providing services in at least one of the following counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and/or St. Johns.
Learn more at: theplayers.com/chip-in.
THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT GRANT
THE PLAYERS supports athletes in Northeast Florida who want to pursue the sport of golf.
The tournament seeks to increase equity, improve participation and grow competitive play regardless of socioeconomic status. It is therefore important to help meet equipment needs and increase access for those facing barriers.
THE PLAYERS offers an equipment grant program open to all Northeast Florida nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. Equipment may not be resold, and all equipment must be used exclusively for the program outlined in the application.
Learn more at: theplayers.com/community/grants.
RED COATS’ COMMUNITY GRANTS
The Red Coats are civic and corporate leaders who oversee volunteer efforts at the tournament as well as a grant program supporting local nonprofits. The Red Coats’ Community Grants program is designed to fund smaller projects for these nonprofit organizations.
Applicants for the grant program are notified of awards in September, and the program will reopen following this year’s tournament.
THE PLAYERS ANNUAL GRANT PROGRAM
THE PLAYERS Annual Grant Program provides an opportunity for local nonprofits to receive funding to improve the community.
This grant program is currently closed but will reopen following this year’s tournament.
HORSCHEL FAMILY FOUNDATION
While independent of THE PLAYERS, this foundation — the creation of Brittany and Billy Horschel — has partnered with The PGA Tour to address substance abuse, mental health opportunities and more in North Florida.
More broadly, the foundation’s mission is to invest in communities by partnering with organizations that inspire hope, provide healing, promote health and honor our soldiers.
The foundation works with the Brown Family YMCA, Feeding Northeast Florida, K9s For Warriors and The Advocates Professional Golf Association.
To learn more, go to horschelfamilyfoundation.org.
#DriveOutHunger: Once again, five-time PGA Tour winner Billy Horschel will donate $1,000 for every birdie and $5,000 for every eagle he makes at this year’s PLAYERS Championship to Feeding Northeast Florida.
Fans can contribute to the campaign by going to feedingnefl.org and selecting the #DriveOutHunger Campaign to make a donation.
