$100K from 30th annual American Century Championship to be given to local nonprofits

STATELINE, Nev. - The 30th annual American Century Championship has gone into the record books as one of the biggest and best golf events in Lake Tahoe history. There was an attendance record of 60,550, an economic impact estimated at $30 million for the Lake Tahoe Basin, and now an additional $100,000 will be given away to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Township non-profits.

Organizations who meet 501(c)3 certified nonprofit guidelines are invited to apply for funding by Friday, September 13 at 4:00 p.m. The application is available at https://ltva.org/american-century-championship-donation-request-application/. Each must provide an outline of their mission, describe how the donation will be used and indicate impact in the community.

Grants will encompass four categories awarding increments of $10,000, $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000 based on: 1) Organizational Sustainability – significant impact on long term growth and stability; 2) Organizational Impact – increasing constituents served; 3) Community Need – distribution of services or support; and 4) Scholarships – for individual participation.

Recipients will be presented with checks at the LTVA Board of Directors meeting, Thursday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m.

The tournament previously directed an additional $26,500 through on-site volunteer organizations and other efforts during tournament week. Recipients included South Tahoe High Booster Club, Tahoe Prosperity Center, and Gene Upshaw Memorial Scholarship.

Since 2009, donations exceeding $1.25 million have been distributed to more than 80 local non-profits to assist 11,500+ individuals. In all, 32 Lake Tahoe area nonprofits received donations from ACC in 2018.

Since its inception in 1990, the tournament has donated more than $5.5 million to local and national non-profits. The nation’s longest-running celebrity golf tournament captured the media spotlight with crowd favorites Justin Timberlake, Tony Romo, and Stephen Curry among famed sports stars, legends and celebrity competitors. The elite field also featured Charles Barkley, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Larry the Cable Guy, and 16 Hall of Famers and 22 current players, including 10 All-Pros/All-Stars representing major sports.

“The massive impact on lodging, dining, activities, events, gaming, entertainment, shopping, airport activity, non-profit organizations, and myriad businesses directly and indirectly involved with the event is proven,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “Additionally, as a result of network television, national and social media coverage, the event positively reflects the community’s singular vibe and personality and confirms the branding and reputation of Lake Tahoe as a premier destination.”