Raising Ballers, Inc.

For when life throws you a curve ball

Raising Ballers, Inc. is a charitable foundation founded to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Sarah Bartlett Manzo, a devoted mother and wife actively involved in the community where her husband and children participated in various sports programs. After losing her battle with cancer in 2023, this foundation was developed by family and friends to honor her by assisting families facing hardships. We focus on providing children with the opportunity to play sports in an effort to reach their full potential. Our mission is to help limit the financial barriers associated with playing sports in communities and to foster a spirit of paying it forward.

We are passionate about helping the next generation of athletes reach their goals and dreams. Join us in our mission and help us raise ballers across the nation.

Applicants or Nominees awarded financial assistance will be determined on an individual basis throughout the year and at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

The Raising Ballers, Inc. (RBI) Scholarship Fund award has an individual maximum award of $2,000. RBI will award scholarships, ranging in amounts from $100 - $2,000 per award, based on applicant’s need and level of proven commitment to their sport.

NOTE: Scholarship funds will be awarded to the applicant upon evidence of registration in the sport of their choice and approval of the organization.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants/Nominees must be an active member of a sports team for which they are seeking financial assistance.
Applicants/Nominees must be ages 5 to 18
Applicants/Nominees must show dedication to the sport they are participating in and applying for financial assistance.
Applicant/Nominee can be a resident of Connecticut

No applicant will be denied being recipient of assistance on any basis prohibited by Section 501 (C) (3) of The Internal Revenue Code.

CRITERIA

The Applicant/Nominee will submit an essay describing the role sports plays in his or her life.
Provide proof of involvement in school and community activities.

PROCEDURE

Complete the application in full
Two letters of recommendation from two adults that are not related to the applicant/nominee.
- The letter should speak to the character, integrity and/or uniqueness of the applicant/nominee.
The Activity Sheet should reflect school and community activities, as well as any awards and recognition you have received in these activities.
If selected, scholarship will be presented by the Raising Ballers Inc. President, Rob Manzo.

Raising Ballers Inc. Application

First name

Last name

Multi-line address

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Phone

Applicant's Email

Birthday

Month

Day

Year

Gender: Male or Female

Name of School

Grade

Parent/Guardian Full Name

Parent/Guardian Relationship to Applicant

Parent/Guardian Phone Number

Parent/Guardian Email

If nominating an athlete, Full Name of Nominator

Nominator Phone Number

Nominator Email Address

Main sport for which you seek support

Amount Requested

Primary use of financial support (i.e. tuition, equipment, camp, etc.

List any or all sporting achievements in the past two years

Please highlight your Short Term sporting goals (1 year)

Please highlight your Long Term sporting goals (2-5 years)

Please upload a brief essay on, "Why sports makes a difference in my life."

Please give details of any other financial assistance you currently receive

Signature & Date

Signature field is empty.

I certify that all statements made on this form are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and are made in good faith.