Play builds confidence. Movement builds community.
Safe, accessible spaces for play, movement, and connection are essential for youth development, community wellness, and public safety. But in many Bay Area neighborhoods, quality recreation programs are out of reach, and public parks, fields, and facilities are underfunded or neglected.
The McFadden Finch Foundation supports sports and recreation as powerful tools for health, healing, and connection. We invest in programs that keep youth active, engaged, and connected to positive mentors, and we work to make sure every neighborhood has access to space where joy and movement are possible.
What We Fund
We support local programs and projects that expand access to sports, recreation, and community wellness.
We fund:
- Youth sports leagues and athletic development programs
- Park renovations and safe, inclusive outdoor spaces
- Fitness and movement classes led by and for community
- Sports-based youth development and leadership training
- After-school and summer programs with a focus on physical activity
- Community-led recreation events and tournaments
We prioritize culturally responsive programs serving BIPOC youth and families in Oakland and the broader Bay Area.
Why It Matters
- Movement supports mental health, academic success, and confidence—especially for youth.
- Safe, public spaces are essential for belonging and neighborhood connection.
- Recreation can reduce violence, support healing, and create lifelong mentors.
- Everyone deserves the right to play, no matter their zip code.
Our Approach
We invest in community-rooted programs that:
- Employ local coaches, mentors, and wellness leaders
- Create alternatives to punitive youth systems
- Celebrate culture through sport and movement
- Connect recreation with health, leadership, and community pride