Serving Up Community: How Ignite Kirkland Sparked a Connection with Tennis Outreach Program

At Kirkland Community Foundation, we believe that small grants can create powerful ripples in our community. One recent example comes from Tennis Outreach Program (TOPS)—one of the 26 nonprofits impacted by the Ignite Kirkland grant program.

With an award of just $600, TOPS was grateful—not just for the funding, but for the deeper connection to the community it represented.

A Full-Circle Moment

Sarah Watanabe, TOPS’ Development Director, embodies the spirit of the program. A graduate of TOPS herself, she spent a decade in corporate leadership at Nike before returning to Kirkland to raise her family and give back to the program that shaped her. Meeting with her was inspiring. Her passion for TOPS is evident, and she was eager to collaborate, swapping ideas about raising operating funds and member engagement.

More Than Tennis: A “Third Place” for Community Values

TOPS isn’t just about the sport—it’s a “third place” where youth learn values through the SPIRIT model:

🏆 Sportsmanship – Playing with honesty and fairness
💪 Perseverance – Pushing through obstacles on and off the court
✨ Integrity – Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching
🤝 Respect – Treating others with kindness and consideration
🌟 Inspiration – Leading by example
🎾 Teamwork – Working together toward a common goal

One of their most moving initiatives? No-cost tennis lessons for kids with hearing loss—ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or financial status, can experience the joy of the game. You can see the impact firsthand in their video, featuring that program: Watch Here.

Strengthening Connections in Kirkland

Watanabe shared that through Ignite Kirkland, she now feels more connected to the local nonprofit community and is thrilled to partner with the Foundation. This is exactly the kind of impact we strive for—not just providing funding, but fostering relationships that strengthen our community.

Quick links

Create a Fund Donate to KCF Catalyst Fund Methods of Giving Mission and History Contact Us Most recent 990 form Privacy Policy

Subscribe to KCF updates

603 4th Ave, Suite 500
Kirkland WA 98033

(425) 505-3348

Follow us:

KCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
EIN 46-4931717

Website support. generously provided by Sitetherapy.net

Spark Something Good - with the Kirkland Community Foundation

At the Kirkland Community Foundation, we serve as conveners, catalysts, and collaborators - and we know that new ideas need fuel to catch spark. That’s why we’ve created this space to hear from you.

Whether you’re ready to move forward with a community idea that shows the love in Kirkland, are seeking a small Spark Grant to bring something to life, or feel inspired to support a future project - you’re in the right place.

Let us know how you'd like to get involved, and someone from our team will follow up soon. Together, we can spark something good.

First*

Last*

Email*

Best phone number to reach you*

Why are you filling out this form? Check as many as apply.*

To share an idea about a future project that I am planning

To request a spark grant (under $100) to make a project a reality

To make a financial contribution to be applied to a for the love project

To volunteer or offer my skills

To find out more about the Kirkland Community Foundation

Other (add details below)

Please tell us a little more about your idea, the type of projects that would interest you, and/or the skills you’d like to offer, and we’ll follow up soon to discuss. *

Anything else you would like to add? - Stories, dreams or feedback welcome.

HP Name

Community Project Letter of Interest

Kirkland Community Foundation has long served as the hub for successful projects inititated by members of our community, including the Save Our Salmon mural and the Waverly Beach Picnic Shelter. Have an idea for a project? Please complete this form as an initial step in the process, and we'll be in touch!

First*

Last*

Email*

Phone

Street

City

State

ZIP Code

The story behind your idea —

Share what inspired you and what you hope to accomplish. Please include:

A description of your project and why it’s important
Who will benefit and how it will make a difference
Any partners, volunteers, or organizations involved
How this project aligns with KCF’s mission and areas of impact
Whether there are any time-sensitive elements
Let us know what type of support you’re seeking: visibility, fundraising assistance, strategic guidance, or fiscal sponsorship. If requesting fundraising or fiscal sponsorship, please include an estimated budget or cost of the project.

Upload a document (PDF, DOC OR DOCX only) with your projects story here Upload a file or drag and drop. pdf, doc, docx up to 15MB

Write in your project's story here (if you didn't upload a document above)

HP Name

Thank you for your interest in serving on our board of directors.

We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals who share a strong commitment to the Kirkland community to join our board of directors. Board members play a vital role in shaping the organization's direction and ensuring its long-term success. Please complete the following form to express your interest in serving on our board. We are dedicated to the commitment that our board should reflect the diversity of our community.

First*

Last*

Email*

Phone*

Mailing Address*

Any social media accounts you're comfortable sharing

Occupation

Company

Why are you interested in serving on the KCF board?*

What skills and experience do you bring that would be valuable to the board?*

How much time are you able to commit to board service?*

What are your areas of particular interest within the organization's work?

LinkedIn profile

Have you served on the board of a nonprofit organization before?*

Yes

Which organization?

How many years of service?

Did you serve on any board committees?

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your interest in serving on the board?

HP Name

Please reach out to us with any inquiries or comments. We'd love to hear from you.

First*

Last*

Email*

Phone

Comments*

HP Name

Serving Up Community: How Ignite Kirkland Sparked a Connection with Tennis Outreach Program

A Full-Circle Moment

More Than Tennis: A “Third Place” for Community Values

Strengthening Connections in Kirkland

Spark Something Good - with the Kirkland Community Foundation

Community Project Letter of Interest

The story behind your idea —

Workshop Registration

Thank you for your interest in serving on our board of directors.

Please reach out to us with any inquiries or comments. We'd love to hear from you.