Our mission is to make tennis available
to everyone.
Dennis Van der Meer
Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Established in 1978, as the charitable arm of PTR. Each year, PTR members generously donate to the Foundation. These funds are used for various charitable and research activities including but not limited to:
- Coaches Development / Coaching Education.
- Adaptive Tennis / Special Population Programs, including:
- Sponsorship of PTR Wheelchair Tennis Championships & Workshops.
- Sponsorship of Special Olympics Tennis Championships and Programs.
- Post-Secondary Scholarships for Those Whose Lives Have Been Impacted by Tennis Programs for Under-served Youth in Under-resourced Communities.
- Worldwide, including: National Junior Tennis & Learning, Boys & Girls Clubs, Police Athletic League.
Our Foucs
individuals and organizations globally.
Develop Coaches / Coaches Continuing Education
For coaching workshops including and not limited to the certification of more multi-cultural and women coaches, as well as supporting the continuing higher education of PTR coaches.
Grants/Scholarships For Under-Resourced Youth
To organizations that have a strong, demonstrable reputation for providing services to under-served youth in under-resourced communities to apply for grant or scholarship support.
Special Population / Adaptive Tennis Grants
For the rehabilitative benefits of the game and people that are using tennis for such purposes – this would include but is not limited to Special Olympics, Wheelchair Tennis, Stroke Rehabilitation, etc.
Nehemiah Atkinson Humanitarian Grant
A grant emphasizing the high value that PTRF places on giving and service to others that is given to an individual who has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to improving the lives of others.
Grants To Enhance Global Goodwill
To enhance goodwill will include new facility development and or re-development, as well as refurbishment and improvements at existing facilities both in the United States and Internationally with a particular focus on underrepresented and/or devastated areas.
Dennis Van Der Meer Higher Education Scholarship
PTRF provides a $1,000 scholarship each year for an incoming college freshman. This is targeted to deserving young men and women from the USTA/Southern Tennis Section whose lives have been positively impacted by the sport of tennis.
Nehemiah Atkinson Humanitarian Grant
- The Coach Verdieck Educational Excellence Grant is given annually to bring exceptional speakers to the PTR International Tennis Symposium and/or Section or District Conferences to help aid in the education of our constituents
- To underwrite the cost of development, publication, and distribution of continuing education materials (not to be used for purposes of generating profit).
Our Story
Dennis Van Der Meer, PTRF Founder
Gallery
Tennis For Everyone
Gallery
Award Recipients
Got Engaged
foundation?
VDM Alumni
We share our stories to inspire and instruct the next generation of tennis players across the globe
Support Our Work
Through the Foundation, tennis programs have been developed in low-income housing projects, after school latch-key programs, at-risk, youth programs and wheelchair tennis rehabilitation programs.
PTRF Grant
The PTRF proudly supports projects that promote and preserve the legacy, vision, and spirit of PTR Founder, Dennis Van Der Meer. Consideration for funding will be given to educational, life enrichment, mentoring, and tennis programs.
Our Impact
Luigi Bertino | PTR Italy Director of Education
Thank you for giving PTR Italy important support to help us develop the Next Gen Coach educational program that we will offer in Italy, Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The PTRF / Dennis Van der Meer Educational Scholarships will be aimed at young tennis players aged 18-22, with better school curriculums and lower family incomes to start a career as a tennis teacher. The training course we have specially created wants to transmit the principles fundamentals of tennis teaching (Standard Method) and the human and professional values that Dennis Van der Meer passed on to us and that otherwise young people could no longer obtain.
Jerry Wang | Tennis Clinic Participant
Thank you so much PTRF for hosting the National Tennis Month tennis clinic! My daughter, Ava and I really enjoyed it and are very glad we went. We kept telling each other how nice it was, especially for a free event. Sorry we were too tired to stay until the end. We have practiced a couple times already, keeping your feedback in mind, and are now even trying to approach the net to volley sometimes when we practice. The drills and games were a lot of fun and the coaching feedback was really helpful
Carol MacLennan | Director of Tennis, Laurel Creek Country Club Mount Laurel, NJ
The PTR has given me so much over the past 25 years. Not only have I grown as a teaching professional and tennis director, but I’ve created valued personal relationships. As a longtime PTR member, it’s an honor to give back to support the mission of the PTR foundation.
Member Appreciation
- Donors
- Humanitarian award winners
Donate Now
Board of Directors
Our Partners
What Our Members Think
“Professional organization with excellent administration, outstanding professional development, benefits and networking!”
Jody Bingham
“As a USTA accredited organization, the Professional Tennis Registry is working to elevate the resources available to coaches pursuing certification, while enhancing the growth and success of your coaching career”
Philippe Ghostine Matta
“Unparalleled in its education for coaches globally. Proud member for 15 years and will be for as many as I can pick up a racquet.”