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Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announces $250,000 grant to Women's Sports Foundation
Summary
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to the Women's Sports Foundation on National Girls & Women in Sports Day to support coaching programs and women in football; the gift follows a $1 million commitment to the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League.
Content
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to the Women's Sports Foundation on February 4, 2026, coinciding with National Girls & Women in Sports Day. The gift, directed by Woody Johnson, is intended to strengthen efforts to expand opportunities for women coaches in collegiate and professional sport and to support careers for women in football. The funding will support the Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching and the Scott Pioli & Family Fund for Women Football Coaches and Scouts. This grant follows the foundation's earlier $1 million commitment to fund the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League.
Key details:
- The $250,000 grant was announced on February 4, 2026, and is directed by Woody Johnson.
- Funding will support the Tara VanDerveer Fund and the Scott Pioli & Family Fund for Women Football Coaches and Scouts.
- The programs aim to help hire and adequately pay entry-level coaches and to provide education and mentorship resources for grant recipients.
- The donation follows a $1 million commitment to launch the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League; the league is scheduled to begin play in March 2026 after a Media Day on February 27th.
- The Women's Sports Foundation notes that women hold less than 40% of head coaching positions and less than 30% of assistant coaching positions in women's NCAA sports.
Summary:
The grant is intended to strengthen the Women's Sports Foundation's coaching programs and professional development resources, directly affecting careers for women in football and collegiate sports. The Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League is scheduled to begin play in March 2026 after a Media Day on February 27th.
