Chris Evert’s Contributions to Tennis Charity and Community Initiatives

Chris Evert is synonymous with tennis excellence. With 18 Grand Slam singles titles, a 90% career winning percentage, and a reputation for unmatched consistency, she dominated women’s tennis from the mid-1970s through the late 1980s. Yet for Evert, the court was only the first stage. Since retiring from professional play, she has devoted herself to an equally powerful cause: using her platform to lift up children, families, and communities through focused philanthropy and community action. Her transition from champion athlete to champion of social causes stands as a model for athletes seeking to leave a lasting legacy beyond their sport. In an era where celebrity philanthropy can sometimes feel performative, Evert’s approach has been notably hands-on, strategic, and sustained over more than three decades.

From Fort Lauderdale to Center Court: The Foundation of a Champion

Born December 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Christine Marie Evert was the second of five children. Her father, Jimmy Evert, was a professional tennis coach, and she literally grew up with a racket in her hand. By age 15, she had won the USTA Girls’ 18s national championship, and at 16 she turned professional. Evert’s meteoric rise was defined by a revolutionary two-handed backhand, steely mental focus, and an on-court grace that earned her the nickname “The Ice Princess.” She amassed 157 singles titles, spent 260 weeks as world No. 1, and created one of the sport’s greatest rivalries with Martina Navratilova.

Her sportsmanship, humility, and competitive fire made her a role model for millions. Those same qualities would later fuel her off-court mission. Evert has often said that tennis taught her discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work, all of which she applied to her charitable work. Growing up in a close-knit Catholic family, she also absorbed lessons about service and community responsibility from her parents. Jimmy Evert, who coached thousands of young players over his career without charging for lessons, instilled in her a belief that talent and success carry an obligation to give back.

The Role of Family in Shaping Her Philanthropic Vision

Evert’s philanthropic instincts were shaped by personal loss and family example. Her father’s quiet generosity left a deep imprint. Jimmy Evert ran the public tennis center at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale, where he taught tennis to children from all backgrounds, often waiving fees for families who could not pay. Chris has said that watching her father devote his life to teaching others taught her that the true value of success lies in what you can do for others.

Personal tragedy also clarified her mission. Her younger brother, John Evert, struggled with addiction for years before dying of a drug overdose in 2009 at the age of 52. The loss devastated the family but also galvanized Chris to address substance abuse prevention as a key pillar of her foundation. She has spoken openly about John’s battle, using her platform to reduce stigma and fund programs that educate young people about the dangers of addiction. Similarly, her own health battles — she was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012 and again in 2022 — deepened her commitment to women’s health advocacy. Rather than retreating from public life during treatment, she used her visibility to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

A Champion’s Transition to Philanthropy

When Evert retired from professional tennis in 1989, she did not simply rest on her laurels. She felt a deep responsibility to give back, particularly to youth and to causes that had touched her own life. In 1987, while still playing part-time, she founded Chris Evert Charities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting education, health, and athletic opportunities for underprivileged children and families. The launch was deeply personal. Evert watched her father, a dedicated coach who taught thousands of kids, and that spirit of mentorship inspired her to create a vehicle for lasting community impact.

Unlike many athlete foundations that start small, Evert dove in aggressively. She leveraged her celebrity, tennis connections, and business acumen to build an organization that would not merely write checks but create sustainable programs. Her decision to focus on child and family well-being stemmed from a simple belief: every child deserves a chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of background or financial resources. She structured the foundation to operate with low overhead, ensuring that the maximum percentage of donations went directly to programming rather than administrative costs.

How Evert’s Tennis Career Prepared Her for Philanthropy

The same traits that made Evert a champion on the court translated directly to her effectiveness as a philanthropist. Her legendary work ethic meant she approached charity with the same discipline she brought to training. Her attention to detail — she was famous for studying opponents’ weaknesses and preparing meticulously — made her a rigorous evaluator of grant proposals and program outcomes. And her ability to stay composed under pressure, which served her so well in Grand Slam finals, helped her navigate the challenges of running a nonprofit through economic downturns, leadership transitions, and personal health crises.

Evert also brought a competitor’s instinct to fundraising. She treated every gala, auction, and sponsorship pitch with the same preparation she gave a match against Martina Navratilova. She personally calls major donors to thank them, writes handwritten notes to supporters, and shows up at events rain or shine. This level of engagement builds trust and loyalty, and it is a big reason why Chris Evert Charities has maintained strong donor retention rates for decades.

The Chris Evert Charities: Core Programs and Measurable Impact

Chris Evert Charities operates with a lean structure, maximizing every dollar raised through events and donations. Over three decades, the organization has raised tens of millions of dollars to support its three strategic pillars: youth tennis and recreation, educational scholarships, and health and wellness initiatives. Below is a detailed look at each area.

Junior Tennis and Youth Development

Evert has always believed that tennis builds character. Through her charity, she funds after-school tennis and academic programs in underserved communities across South Florida. The organization partners with local parks and recreation departments, schools, and the USTA to provide free or low-cost tennis instruction, rackets, balls, and court access. More than 10,000 children have participated in these programs since their inception, learning not only the game but also life skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, and perseverance.

One standout initiative is the annual Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, which began in 1989 and has become the flagship fundraising event for the charity. Each year, top tennis professionals and celebrities gather for a weekend of matches, clinics, and galas, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. The event directly supports youth tennis programs and provides exposure for aspiring players who might otherwise never have access to elite instruction. Additionally, the charity sponsors the Chris Evert Junior Tennis Championship, a prestigious national-level tournament that attracts top young talent and helps them earn college recruitment opportunities.

Beyond structured programs, Evert has also funded the construction and renovation of public tennis courts in low-income neighborhoods in Broward County. Access to safe, well-maintained facilities is a major barrier to youth sports participation, and her foundation has invested over $1 million in court improvements alone. These courts serve as community hubs where children can play, learn, and connect with mentors.

Educational Scholarships and Support

Education is a central pillar of Evert’s philanthropy. She recognized that for many at-risk children, the biggest barrier to success is not talent but access to quality schooling and financial resources. Her foundation awards need-based scholarships to students from Broward County and Palm Beach County, enabling them to attend private schools, college preparatory programs, and universities. Since 1990, the foundation has granted more than 500 scholarships, many of them renewable for four years.

Beyond direct scholarship funds, Evert has partnered with local school districts to fund after-school tutoring and mentoring programs. These programs focus on literacy, math, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), helping students close achievement gaps. The foundation also supports college readiness workshops that guide first-generation college-bound students through the application, financial aid, and campus transition processes. The result: over 95% of scholarship recipients graduate high school, and a strong majority go on to pursue higher education.

What sets Evert’s scholarship program apart is the ongoing support scholars receive. Recipients are assigned mentors who check in regularly, help with academic challenges, and provide guidance on career planning. The foundation also hosts an annual scholar summit where recipients gather for networking, professional development workshops, and a keynote address from Evert herself. This wraparound approach ensures that financial aid is not a one-time gift but a launching pad for lifelong success.

Health and Wellness Initiatives

Evert’s commitment to health and wellness is deeply personal. In 2012, she underwent surgery for ovarian cancer, and in 2022 she announced that the cancer had returned and required additional treatment. Her public battle with the disease has amplified her advocacy for women’s health, particularly ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. Through Chris Evert Charities, she funds research, patient support programs, and awareness campaigns. The foundation partners with organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and Moffitt Cancer Center to promote early detection and advances in treatment.

Evert has also used her platform to advocate directly for women facing cancer. She has produced educational videos about recognizing symptoms, has testified before state legislatures about funding for cancer research, and has visited hospitals to speak with patients undergoing treatment. Her willingness to share her own medical journey has made her a trusted voice in the cancer community and has driven donations to the cause.

Her charity also supports addiction and substance abuse prevention. Evert’s brother, John Evert, tragically died of a drug overdose in 2009. In his memory, she established programs that educate teens and young adults about the dangers of substance abuse, and provides support for recovery and family counseling. These initiatives are integrated with school-based health curricula and community workshops, reaching thousands of young people each year. The foundation also funds training for teachers and counselors to recognize signs of substance abuse and intervene early.

Flagship Events and Fundraising

Chris Evert Charities relies on several high-profile annual events to sustain its work. The Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic is the centerpiece, attracting stars from tennis, entertainment, and business. Past participants include John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and celebrities like Andy Garcia and Susan Sarandon. The event features a pro-am tournament, an exhibition match, a dinner gala, and live auctions. Since its launch, the Classic has raised over $15 million.

Another key event is the Chris Evert Golf Classic, held at the prestigious Boca Raton Resort & Club. Amateurs join Evert and other sports celebrities for a day of golf, followed by a reception where attendees bid on unique experiences and memorabilia. The golf classic alone raises approximately $500,000 annually, directly funding educational programs. Evert also organizes smaller community events throughout the year, including tennis clinics for special needs children and holiday parties for families served by the foundation.

Evert herself is actively involved in every event. She greets guests, plays in exhibitions, and personally thanks donors. Her hands-on approach reinforces the authenticity of her mission and inspires a loyal supporter base. She has also embraced digital fundraising, launching online auctions and virtual events that expanded the foundation’s donor base beyond South Florida.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The reach of Chris Evert Charities is amplified through strategic partnerships. The foundation is a long-time partner of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), working together to promote grassroots tennis and community outreach. Evert has also collaborated with the Women’s Sports Foundation to advocate for gender equity in sports and to provide grants for female athletes. Corporate sponsors join the cause as well: leading companies like Fidelity Investments, Linde, and JetBlue have provided financial support, in-kind donations, and employee volunteer hours.

One notable partnership is with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. The foundation has funded the renovation of sports facilities, established after-school tennis leagues, and underwritten summer camp scholarships for club members. Evert often makes surprise visits to club locations, spending time with children and sharing stories from her career. These personal connections are central to her mission. Another significant collaboration is with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where Evert has funded pediatric wellness programs and supported families dealing with serious illness.

Community Impact Stories

The numbers tell one story, but the individual lives changed tell another. Take Maria Torres, a first-generation college student from Pompano Beach who received a Chris Evert Charities scholarship in 2015. Maria graduated from Florida International University with a degree in nursing and now works as an oncology nurse, inspired in part by Evert’s own battle with cancer. “Chris didn’t just write a check,” Maria says. “She visited our school, she remembered my name, and she encouraged me to keep going when I wanted to quit.”

Or consider the case of the Williams family in Fort Lauderdale, whose two sons participated in Evert’s after-school tennis program. Both boys earned college scholarships through tennis, and one went on to play professionally. Their mother credits the program with keeping them focused and out of trouble during their teenage years. Stories like these are the foundation’s true legacy and the reason Evert remains so personally engaged.

The foundation also tracks broader community outcomes. In neighborhoods where Evert’s programs operate, youth crime rates have declined, high school graduation rates have increased, and park usage has risen significantly. These measurable impacts help attract continued funding from government grants and corporate partners.

Awards and Recognition

Evert’s commitment to service has earned her numerous honors beyond the tennis world. She has received the USTA National Community Service Award, the WTA Player Service Award, and the NCAA President’s Award for her contributions to education and youth development. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995, and in 2020 she was named one of the “100 Women of the Century” by USA Today for her impact both on and off the court. The Broward County Commission has declared December 21 as “Chris Evert Day” in recognition of her charitable work.

Perhaps most meaningful, Evert has received lifetime achievement awards from the Cancer Research Institute and the South Florida Black Physicians Association for her health advocacy. These honors reflect the breadth of her influence: from tennis prodigy to public health champion.

Personal Commitment and Community Engagement

Chris Evert remains deeply involved in the day-to-day decisions of her foundation. She reads grant proposals, meets with prospective scholarship recipients, and regularly visits the schools and community centers her charity supports. She also serves as a tennis commentator for ESPN and the Tennis Channel, a platform she uses to highlight charitable partners and causes during major tournaments. Evert has said that being present in the community keeps her grounded and reminds her why she started the foundation.

Her resilience has inspired others to contribute. When she announced her second cancer diagnosis in 2022, donations to her foundation surged, with many supporters citing her courage as the reason to give. She continues to participate in treatment while attending foundation events, embodying the same determination she showed on court. Her story is a powerful example that true champions never stop fighting for others.

The Business of Philanthropy: How Evert Runs Her Charity

Running a nonprofit effectively requires more than good intentions, and Evert has applied the same strategic thinking to her foundation that she used to plan her tennis career. The board of directors includes business leaders, healthcare professionals, and former athletes who bring diverse expertise. Financial audits are published annually, and the foundation maintains a Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest rating available. Evert herself takes no salary from the organization, and administrative expenses are kept under 15% of total revenue, a benchmark that exceeds industry standards for charitable efficiency.

She has also been smart about succession planning. While Evert remains the face of the organization, she has built a professional staff team that can sustain operations regardless of her personal circumstances. This ensures that the foundation’s work will continue for generations, even after she is no longer able to lead it actively.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Chris Evert’s charitable work has created a ripple effect that extends far beyond South Florida. She has inspired a generation of tennis players — including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Naomi Osaka — to establish their own foundations and prioritize social impact. The model she created — direct engagement, focus on education, health, and athletic opportunity — has become a blueprint for athlete philanthropy worldwide.

In measurable terms, her foundation has changed thousands of lives. Scholarship recipients have become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Junior tennis alumni have earned college scholarships and even professional contracts. Health initiatives have led to early cancer detections and increased community awareness. And every year, the gala brings together a community of donors, volunteers, and celebrities who believe in the power of giving back.

Evert often sums up her mission in a single sentence: “Tennis gave me everything, and I want to give that chance to others.” Her legacy is not just the trophies on her mantle, but the thousands of children she has helped dream bigger and reach higher. She has proven that the greatest serve an athlete can make is the one that lifts up others.

How to Get Involved or Support the Cause

Chris Evert Charities welcomes support in many forms. Individual donations of any size are accepted through the foundation’s website, and recurring monthly gifts provide predictable funding for ongoing programs. Volunteers are needed for event logistics, tutoring, and mentoring. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available for companies that want to align their brand with a trusted and respected nonprofit. In-kind donations of goods and services, from office supplies to printing to catering, also make a meaningful difference.

The foundation also offers planned giving options, allowing supporters to include Chris Evert Charities in their wills or estate plans. For those who want to make a lasting impact, naming opportunities exist for scholarship funds, court renovations, and program endowments.

Learn more about Chris Evert Charities at chrisevert.org. Additional information on her health advocacy can be found at the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the USTA Foundation, and the Moffitt Cancer Center. For those interested in athlete philanthropy models, the Women’s Sports Foundation offers resources and research on how athletes can build effective charitable programs.