Players are now part of the solution.

How has this been funded?

This non-profit was initiated by the passion and generosity of a few who volunteered their time, talent, and treasure. We started small and grew quickly by offering no-cost programs. Our funding is derived from a number of sources.

• Fundraising through our existing partner network.
• Outreach to corporate sponsors.
• Sales of our Green Gold for use in tennis courts and other green products.
• Selling balls as recyclable “no trash” dog balls.
• Leveraging of volunteer resources.

In 2019 we signed a three-year partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods – our key sponsor and partner who has generously provided us with some funding and institutional guidance. 

Is this model sustainable?

With more awareness and a continuing outreach for more corporate partners, donors, local sponsors, and product sales, we are encouraged this will remain  sustainable.

What about sales of the recycled material?

Currently, our recycling line, the PLAY IT GREEN machine, represents a net expense. Given increasing sustainability interest and our commitment to finding new partners and potential products, this is changing. The investment we have made in this new, first-of-its-kind, custom-built recycling line, holds the promise that with increased production and further product R&D, the GREEN GOLD produced may fund much of this initiative.

How are the balls shipped and tracked?

Full bins are brought to the front desk or anywhere UPS ships, where they will be automatically picked up by UPS without further notice. An automated system continuously ensures optimum inventory levels. Court-side bins typically fill up in 3-6 weeks.

Who assigns a value to the tennis balls as a tax deduction? 

The IRS requires the donor (you or the person you designate) to assign values to non-cash charitable donations.

What are used tennis balls worth as a tax deduction?

While we cannot legally recommend a value for donated balls. some are claiming .40 per tennis ball donated. If 10,000 balls are donated per year that is a $4,000 annual benefit. 

Who can claim this benefit?

This benefit can now be allocated to any designated donor, person, organization or sponsor even if they are not part of your organization.

Please open all of our emails.

Opening these triggers our automated response system to provide you with a high level of customer service including timely responses, shipments, awards and more

Assemble every bin right away to save time.

Start by assembling the BOTTOM first and then the TOP. Ensure the two top tabs are locked. Each bin takes about a minute to assemble.

Promote this GREEN program with the included posters!

Make recycling visible by putting up the included signs and posters.

Place bins directly on every indoor tennis court. 

• Courtside bins fill up with 200 balls in 2-4 wks on active courts.
• Courtside bins are convenient for players and fill up 5-10 times faster.
• For outdoor courts, place bins in a sheltered area near the courts.
• Outdoor bin solutions are available for sale on our website.

Always replace full bins with fresh ones immediately.

• Fresh bins are critical to a successful program.
• Bring full bins to your front desk or anywhere UPS delivers.
• Ship bins as soon as they are full to ensure timely bin replacement. 
• Every bin comes with a prepaid UPS label and will be picked up by UPS when they visit, with no future notice required and at no extra cost.

Optional: Feel free to tape the top and bottom of the bin when shipping.

• We record all bin shipments and will provide you with tax deduction receipts for all full bins sent in.
• We will provide you with an initial reminder when you are down to 5 bins.

Champion this.

The single largest success factor of this program is a dedicated CHAMPION who is managing this – about 10 mins a week.

In order to secure a local sponsor, we will provide you with sponsor acquisition tools. These tools will include self-standing cards, labels and an announcement email template to send to your tennis players. This email will introduce them to this initiative and serve as a soft appeal for one local sponsor. We provide significant benefits for a local sponsor including the prominent display of a Thank You plaque and other benefits. More information regarding these tools is here. Information regarding sponsorship benefits is here. 

We will provide stand up cards that can be placed on two temporarily stacked bins in your lobby as a display  to bring attention to this program. These cards can also be placed on your front counter, as well as on single bins and walls. The copy on these cards is below.