About the RTA
Who We Are
The Raleigh Tennis Association (“RTA”) serves as the primary resource for all things tennis in the greater Raleigh, NC area. The RTA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and operates under the guidance of the United States Tennis Association ("USTA") and in conjunction with North Carolina Tennis Association ("NCTA").
Mission
The Raleigh Tennis Association is committed to growing, promoting, and supporting tennis in the greater Raleigh, NC area. The RTA aims to connect every player or prospective player with opportunities to participate in tennis through programming, collaboration, funding, diversity & inclusion, outreach, and advocacy.
Goals
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Programming: Establish new player initiatives, coordinate social and competitive leagues, host tournaments across all levels, organize events, and provide resources.
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Collaboration: Build and manage relationships with area tennis providers and facilities in order to further the growth of tennis.
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Funding: Raise and distribute funds throughout the greater Raleigh community in order to create opportunities on and off the tennis court.
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Diversity & Inclusion: Ensure equitable access to RTA services as well as the opportunity for fair & respectful participation for all.
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Outreach: Create initiatives that empower every player or prospective player to join our tennis community.
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Advocacy: Team up with local leaders and organizations to advocate for projects that make tennis accessible to all.
Organizational Structure
A team of professional staff led by Julie Dick, Executive Director, executes the mission of the RTA and oversees daily operations. A Board of Directors guides the direction of the RTA and implements policies. Board positions include President/Chairman, Executive Vice President, Immediate Past President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two members at large. The RTA Board includes the following committees:
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Courts Advocacy
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Junior Tennis
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Adult Tennis
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Policies & By-Laws
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Fundraising
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Grants & Scholarships (RTA Serves)
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Finance & Investment
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Volunteer & Special Events
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NJTL
In 2019, the RTA Serves Committee was formed as part of the Scholarships and Grants Committee. The RTA Serves committee works to provide support for tennis and Raleigh NJTL Chapters who provide educational programming and introduce tennis to new faces across Raleigh.
Donate
In order to support our mission and make tennis programming and resources available and accessible to everyone, we rely on grants and donations from individuals and businesses. To make your tax-deductible donation to the Raleigh Tennis Association, click the Donate button.
Community Outreach
The RTA identifies opportunities to serve the community through the game of tennis. Our hope is to make programming and resources available and accessible to everyone. We strive to equip and empower all areas of the community with information, support, funding, and resources that most meet the needs of the community.
Partnership & Advocacy
Two key factors in our success: partnership and advocacy. Our partnerships with the Wake County Public School System, the City of Raleigh, neighboring towns, local organizations, as well as private and public clubs help make tennis accessible to all players and provide excellent facilities for our growing tennis community.
RTA Tennis Provider, Club, and Facility Partners
The RTA has formed essential relationships and partnerships with Raleigh area tennis providers, clubs, and facilities. These organizations are critical to the success of the RTA and provide the opportunity for the RTA to offer programs, leagues, and tournaments for the greater Raleigh tennis community. Below is a list of our incredible partners who help make our mission a reality.
Harrington Grove Swim & Racquet Club
Knightdale Parks and Recreation
Millbrook Exchange Tennis Center
NC State JW Isenhour Tennis Center
North Carolina State University Wellness and Recreation
Seven Oaks Racquet & Swim Club
RTA Community Partner Organizations
In addition to the relationships and partnerships the RTA has formed with Raleigh tennis providers and clubs, the RTA has also established similar relationships and partnerships with both tennis and “non-tennis” organizations to coordinate activities that promote tennis. Additionally, the RTA is always open to welcoming new partners to further our impact in the community (contact us about RTA partnership opportunities). Current and past partners include:
Abilities Tennis of North Carolina
Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County
City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation
Communities In Schools of Wake County
Daughter’s of the British Empire NC
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce NC
March of Dimes Walk for Babies
NC State Tennis On Campus
Raleigh Chapter: National Junior Tennis and Learning
As part of the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) nation-wide network, RTA’s NJTL Chapter seeks to develop the character of young people within our community through tennis and education. Our chapter’s goal is to facilitate efforts to strengthen and improve NJTL programming and outreach in Raleigh. RTA provides support for tennis and Raleigh NJTL Chapters that provide educational programming and introduces tennis to new faces across Raleigh.
Learn more about the Raleigh NJTL Chapter.
Cy King Community Tennis Fund Make A Donation
The Cy King Community Tennis Fund, created by the Raleigh Tennis Association to honor Cy King, will help to provide small application-based grants for Raleigh under-resourced youth and youth impacted through NJTL programs in Raleigh. Donations and contributions from individuals and businesses help ensure that tennis exists for all youth to try the game, learn the skills, and compete in match play. Your donations are accepted throughout the year.
Matching Gifts
A generous sponsor pledged to match all donations up to $10,000.
Spirit of Tennis Scholarship Program
In 2019, the RTA launched the “Spirit of Tennis Scholarship Program” to support Raleigh residents pursuing post-secondary education in the state of North Carolina whose lives in and out of the classroom and on and off the court, reflect the spirit of tennis.
A maximum of three (3) scholarships, in the minimum amount of $1,000 each, will be awarded to high school seniors in the Spring of 2021. Beginning in March 2021, RTA will accept applications for the scholarship program. Applications will be reviewed by the RTA Serves committee and recommended to the RTA Board of Directors for approval. Selected winners will be announced in May 2021.
Learn more about the Spirit of Tennis Scholarship Program.
RTA Cares Fund
In the summer of 2020, the RTA approved $7,500 to provide micro-grants of $250 each to be allocated to local teaching professionals and/or tournament directors whose income was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 related shutdown of tennis facilities and programs. Twenty-four micro-grants were awarded based on applications received. Additionally, the RTA donated $500 to Ebony Racquet Club out of these funds to support their junior programming that was impacted.