LA84 Foundation Grants

LA84 Foundation Grants is sponsored by LA84 Foundation. This foundation provides grants to support youth sports programs and infrastructure, including courts, turf, equipment, and facility renovations, primarily in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Ventura Counties).

The LA84 Foundation announced 19 organizations across Southern California have received $1,781,000 in grant awards. The recipients provide school-based and community youth sports programs in six Southern California counties – Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, Imperial, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

The majority of the grantees focus on communities where issues such as cost, transportation, safety and lack of facilities often prevent kids from experiencing the lifelong benefits of sport and play that can lead to an enriched life for young people. “These grants focus on access, belonging, and possibility,” said **Renata Simril**, President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation.

“From Boyle Heights to Compton, from Imperial County to the Inland Empire, we are investing in coaches, providing safe places to play, and supporting inclusive programs that help youth succeed both in school and in life. ” While each grantee organization has a unique area of expertise in their communities, all 19 grants share a common goal of closing the play equity gap.

This grant docket emphasizes a cradle-to-community pipeline by meeting kids where they are (schools and neighborhood organizations) and supporting them with inclusive coaching, safe facilities, and accessible environments with physical activity that nurture growth.

##### **School-anchored access** Compton Unified will expand free after-school sports to 25 campuses, eliminating fees and transportation barriers for elementary and middle school students. The grant from LA84 will offset key program expenses, including stipends for coaches, staff training, equipment, and uniforms.

CUSD offers after-school enrichment daily throughout the school year for students interested in flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and track & field. Students gain access to basic sports fundamentals, ongoing sports training, scrimmage play and league competition against other CUSD schools.

The initiative is offered at no cost, providing many Compton youth with their first exposure to structured athletics, team dynamics, and coaching mentorship. At least 1,700 Compton students will benefit from this investment. Variety Boys & Girls Club in Boyle Heights and P.

F. Bresee Foundation in Central LA will expand their year-round leagues and aquatic access for young people at no cost to families after these latest LA84 Foundation grants. “Every child deserves access to safe spaces where they can engage in athletic activities with their peers that build confidence and healthy habits,” said **Patricia Siqueiros**, Executive Director of Variety Boys & Girls Club (VBGC).

“This grant ensures that cost is never a barrier to joining a sports team or learning how to swim. It is an investment in a healthier and more equitable future for our community’s youth. ” VBGC operates two sites, which includes its main clubhouse and a satellite location in a public housing development.

Throughout the year, 900 of Variety’s members join organized teams in baseball, softball, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, or swimming, with each following a set season. The club has a comprehensive aquatic program, using an onsite, outdoor, four-lane competitive pool. The grant will support costs related to athletic assistants, equipment, uniforms, and venue costs.

Support for the P. F. Bresee Foundation will go toward the Bresee Athletics League, which engages middle and high school students through multiple leagues offering futsal, soccer, basketball, and volleyball in Central LA.

The no-cost services including Education & Career Development, Gang Reduction & Youth Development interventions. More than 325 youth and, by extension, their families will benefit from this investment. ##### **Girls participation and safety** Students Run LA will expand its Female Ambassador Program and provide sports bras and health products to support retention and well-being.

Girls on the Run Riverside will add teams and coach stipends to maintain program quality. ##### **Youth events that promote the ideals of Olympism** The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles’ Crenshaw Classic Track & Field Youth Initiative offers free, certified competitions in South LA and Inglewood, connecting youth with Olympians and college mentors. This grant investment will benefit over 500 youth.

The program consists of free track & field training during and after-school over two 8-week seasons in 15 local elementary, middle, and high schools. Youth participants can access mentorship from local track leaders and coaches, including Olympians and collegiate athletes.

It culminates in the Crenshaw Classic track meet, where youth engage in a no-cost certified competition with official times and rankings while celebrating the cultural and athletic heritage of South LA and Inglewood. ##### **Reaching rural youth** AYSO’s expansion of its PLAY! model in Imperial County tackles a “recreation desert” by offering local clinics, coach training, and no- or low-cost soccer.

The grant funds will expand access to youth soccer throughout Imperial County, offsetting costs including registration fees and personnel responsible for program coordination,coaching, and professional development. Local schools and parks will serve as host sites, with this investment expected to benefit 1,000 Imperial County youth. “With LA84’s support, AYSO PLAY!

will train local leaders and engage over 1,000 kids in Imperial County at no cost, building a foundation for sustainable, low-cost soccer programs in the years ahead,” said **Blane Shepard**, AYSO National Director of Community Engagement & Business Development.

##### **LA84 Foundation 2026 Fall Grant Cycle at a glance** The docket includes 19 large grants totaling $1,781,000, with grants awarded in Los Angeles County and additional grants in Riverside, Orange, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and multi-county programs.

Impact reaches girls (45%) and boys (55%), with participation from Latino (43%), White (35%), Black/African American (8%), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (5%), Asian (4%), and other/multiracial youth. Supports a diverse sports ecosystem spanning running, track & field, soccer, squash, skateboarding, and multi-sport/learn-to-play programs. “Play unlocks possibility,” said Simril.

“These LA84 Foundation grants strengthen the coaches, spaces, and community bonds that help young people build healthy bodies, resilient minds, and the confidence to lead.

” ##### **LA84 Large Grants – October 2025 Grantees** American Youth Soccer Organization, Imperial County Aspire Public Schools Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley Camp Fire Inland Southern California Compton Unified School District Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara Girls on the Run Riverside County Home Field Advantage LA Promise Fund P. F.

Bresee Foundation Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club Students Run LA Think Together Variety Boys & Girls Club YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Access Youth Academy Los Angeles Exposure Skate Sloane Stephens Foundation