Ball4Good is excited to announce its highly anticipated annual Celebrity Basketball Game, set to take place at 3 PM on March 22nd at the Webster Athletic Complex, Spartanburg Day School.
Ball4Good, founded by Adom Appiah, is currently led by Spartanburg Day School senior and athlete Charley Wilson. Charley and his grants team have worked diligently to create this event. His team is currently reviewing 17 grant requests from Spartanburg area Non-Profits. The beneficiaries of the event will be announced at a later date!
Join us in celebrating this incredible event that brings together sports, local leaders, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Grab your tickets, support amazing nonprofits, and experience a day filled with fun, excitement, and community spirit!
For more information, visit our website or follow Ball4Good on social media.
This week, the Ball4Good Grants Committee held their second meeting of the 2025-2026 grants cycle. The group discussed roles and ideas for the annual fund-raising basketball game and have decided on the date; March 22, 2026! The recruitment team has begun their search for participants and volunteers in the community to play in the game. In addition, Ball4Good has now officially launched the request for proposals and are ready to hear from the applicants! The team is looking forward to another successful year!
Ball4Good is inviting applications from eligible organizations that would like to apply to receive a grant to support direct services. The application is now open and due by 11:59 PM EST on January 16th, 2026.
Ball4Good considers only those organizations and institutions that are recognized as 501(c)(3) non-profit and/or tax-exempt entities providing services to the residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina. By meeting these criteria, certain institutions, and organizations located outside Spartanburg County may be eligible for funding; however, funding is restricted to benefit Spartanburg County only. Organizations that serve multiple counties must clearly show that the funds will remain in Spartanburg County. Additionally, eligible organizations must provide services that impact children in one of the following areas:
Positive Youth Development
Education
Family Services
Health Services
Homelessness
Poverty
The Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Games will not provide funding for:
Annual fund campaigns
Annual operating support other than for start-up purposes
Lobbying activities, political organizations, or candidates for public office
Individual projects
Organizations that have received $5,000 or more in funding from Ball4Good in the past 24 months
Grant Application — to be considered, applicants must submit the following:
Cover sheet that includes the following:
● Name and address of organization
● Organization’s tax identification number
● Organization’s mission statement
● Grant contact name and email/phone number
● Requested grant amount
● Proof of 501 (c) (3) – IRS determination letter
● Organization’s most recent IRS form 990
Proposal narrative (maximum of two pages, must be in a font of at least 12 point size and have reasonable margins) that addresses the following:
A description of the project for which you are requesting funds. Include the depth and reach of the project (degree and duration of intervention and number of people served).
A detailed, itemized project budget and an outline of how the funds requested will be used.
An explanation of how your organization addresses one or more specific community need(s)/issue(s). Describe how this project will work to address that need/issue. Please include supporting data.
A project timeline.
The measurable outcomes/goals you hope to achieve and how you plan to measure progress. Include the specific measurements that will be used.
If community partners are involved, list each partner and their role in the project.
Please email proposals to info@ball4good.org by 11:59 PM EST on January 16th, 2025.
Process
Applications will be reviewed by a Grants Committee representative of students who reside in Spartanburg County. Students across the county will vote for the final recipient(s).
Additional Information
For additional questions, email info@ball4good.org.
The 2025 Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Game was an unforgettable event, showcasing the talent, energy, and sportsmanship of Kids Upstate. The annual game brought together children, coaches, and community leaders to celebrate teamwork and give back to a greater cause.
The kids’ game featured Pine Street and Cleveland, two teams that brought intensity and determination to the court. Pine Street held the lead for the majority of the game, with Cleveland staying close behind throughout. The game was filled with heart-pounding moments as both teams battled fiercely, pushing themselves to the limit and committing strategic fouls to gain an edge. By halftime, the teams were deadlocked in a tie, 12-12, signaling the close competition and balance of skill between them.
The second half continued with high intensity, as both teams displayed unmatched grit and passion. Despite their best efforts, neither team could pull ahead decisively, ending regulation time in another tie, 16-16. The excitement carried into overtime, where sudden death rules meant the next basket would determine the winner. Pine Street managed to secure the victory with a clutch score, capping off the game with a dramatic finish and earning them well-deserved applause from the crowd.
A special mention goes out to the cheerleaders, whose vibrant performances and relentless enthusiasm played a crucial role in energizing both the children and adult teams. Their infectious spirit kept the crowd engaged and motivated the players to perform their best. The cheerleaders truly embodied the community spirit and the importance of teamwork, making them an integral part of the event’s success.
Ball4Good would like to thank all the participants, coaches, supporters, and fans for making the 2025 Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Game an extraordinary day of competition and camaraderie.
This year’s Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Game brought excitement, inspiration, and a shared commitment to giving back to the Spartanburg community. Since its inception in 2017, Ball4Good has been a powerful force of change, granting funds to numerous nonprofit organizations. Past grant recipients include the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, Sidewalk Hope, Citizen Scholars, and Project Hope Foundation.
Organized by Mya Ferguson and her dedicated team, with invaluable grants training from The Spartanburg County Foundation and mentorship from Marjorie Boafo Appiah (known as Marjy Marj), who has guided Ball4Good since its inception, the 2025 event was a resounding success. The continued contributions of Ball4Good’s advisory members were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success. This year’s game also highlighted several nonprofit honorees, amplifying their pivotal work in the community.
The festivities began with a warm welcome by Dave Skeen, Head of Spartanburg Day School, followed by a prayer and pledge, setting a tone of gratitude and unity. The event featured a youth basketball game between Cleveland and Pine Street, hosted by Kids Upstate, and a dynamic performance of “L.O.V.E.” by Son of Ice, which energized the crowd. Mya Ferguson, Grants Chair, enthusiastically announced the players as cheers from the cheer squad filled the gym.
During the game, honoree highlights showcased the incredible efforts of local nonprofits. The Children’s Advocacy Center and Bloom Upstate took the spotlight in the first quarter for their commitment to supporting children in need. At halftime, the audience was introduced to the Grants Committee and Advisory Board, along with an acknowledgment of former grant recipients, further reinforcing Ball4Good’s legacy of service.
The excitement continued through the game, with end-of-third-quarter honors going to Kids Upstate and the Allen Blash Foundation, organizations dedicated to fostering youth development and uplifting communities. Everyone celebrated the culmination of the game in the fourth quarter with acknowledgements by Mya Ferguson and her team.
The game proved as thrilling as its purpose was meaningful. Red and Blue teams battled it out on the court, with highlights including Payne Wood’s buzzer-beater at halftime. The final score saw Blue victorious at 38-27. Individual players were also recognized for their stellar performances. Payne Wood was named MVP, Ryan Langley took home the Defensive Player Award, and the Coach’s Award was presented to Dave Skeen, Headmaster of Spartanburg Day School. With teams coached by International Pro Matt Brown and Ball4Good Founder Adom Appiah, the camaraderie and determination were unmatched.
Ball4Good’s mission of empowering and supporting the community remains steadfast. By highlighting and funding nonprofits such as those honored this year, the organization continues to inspire hope and foster a sense of unity. The 2025 Celebrity Basketball Game was a testament to how giving back through sports and collaboration can create lasting change in the lives of many.
Ball4Good is excited to announce its highly anticipated annual Celebrity Basketball Game, set to take place at 3 PM on March 30th at the Webster Athletic Complex, Spartanburg Day School. This year’s game will honor three impactful local nonprofits: the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Allen Blash Foundation, and Bloom Upstate. The event is a celebration of sports, community, and giving back.
About the Honorees
The Children’s Advocacy Center works tirelessly to support and protect children who have experienced abuse. Providing therapeutic services, advocacy, and prevention education, the center ensures the safety and well-being of the community’s most vulnerable members.
The Allen Blash Foundation, created to honor the late Allen Blash, is dedicated to inspiring and empowering young individuals. The foundation provides mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and resources to help students reach their academic and personal goals.
Bloom Upstate shares a heartfelt mission to care for children in need across the region. With a focus on providing essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and school supplies, Bloom Upstate strives to foster dignity and hope for children and families navigating difficult circumstances.
Adding to the excitement, the event will feature a special exhibition game by Kids Upstate—formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club of the Upstate—and an enthusiastic cheerleading performance from Bloom Upstate’s talented cheer squad.
Ball4Good, founded by Adom Appiah, is currently led by Spartanburg Day School senior and athlete Mya Ferguson. Over the last year, Mya and her grants team have worked diligently to create this event, which not only promises fun for attendees but also supports children in meaningful ways. From December 2024 to February 2025, the Ball4Good team reviewed 21 grant applications, with training and guidance provided by the Spartanburg County Foundation.
Join us in celebrating this incredible event that brings together sports, local leaders, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Grab your tickets, support these amazing nonprofits, and experience a day filled with fun, excitement, and community spirit!
For more information, visit our website or follow Ball4Good on social media.
Ball4Good is inviting applications from eligible organizations that would like to apply to receive a grant to support direct services. The application is now open and due by 11:59 PM EST on January 15th, 2025.
Ball4Good considers only those organizations and institutions that are recognized as 501(c)(3) non-profit and/or tax-exempt entities providing services to the residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina. By meeting these criteria, certain institutions, and organizations located outside Spartanburg County may be eligible for funding; however, funding is restricted to benefit Spartanburg County only. Organizations that serve multiple counties must clearly show that the funds will remain in Spartanburg County. Additionally, eligible organizations must provide services that impact children in one of the following areas:
Positive Youth Development
Education
Family Services
Health Services
Homelessness
Poverty
The Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Games will not provide funding for:
Annual fund campaigns
Annual operating support other than for start-up purposes
Lobbying activities, political organizations, or candidates for public office
Individual projects
Organizations that have received $5,000 or more in funding from Ball4Good in the past 24 months
Grant Application — to be considered, applicants must submit the following:
Cover sheet that includes the following:
● Name and address of organization
● Organization’s tax identification number
● Organization’s mission statement
● Grant contact name and email/phone number
● Requested grant amount
● Proof of 501 (c) (3) – IRS determination letter
● Organization’s most recent IRS form 990
Proposal narrative (maximum of two pages, must be in a font of at least 12 point size and have reasonable margins) that addresses the following:
A description of the project for which you are requesting funds. Include the depth and reach of the project (degree and duration of intervention and number of people served).
A detailed, itemized project budget and an outline of how the funds requested will be used.
An explanation of how your organization addresses one or more specific community need(s)/issue(s). Describe how this project will work to address that need/issue. Please include supporting data.
A project timeline.
The measurable outcomes/goals you hope to achieve and how you plan to measure progress. Include the specific measurements that will be used.
If community partners are involved, list each partner and their role in the project.
Please email proposals to info@ball4good.org by 11:59 PM EST on January 15th, 2025.
Process
Applications will be reviewed by a Grants Committee representative of students who reside in Spartanburg County. Students across the county will vote for the final recipient(s).
Spartanburg, SC – July 12th, 2024 – Ball4Good is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Ball4Good Grants, recognizing the exceptional services and positive impact these organizations have made. The grant recipients will be honored at a special Awards Banquet on July 12th, 2024, at the Piedmont Club – Spartanburg, where community leaders, supporters, and recipients will gather to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
This year, Ball4Good is proud to support the following organizations and their noteworthy projects:
SC School for the Deaf and Blind: Grant for the creation of a Sensory Room, providing a safe and calming space for students who face sensory sensitivities and use the library.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: Funding for Mental Health Crisis Response, offering consulting and training support in partnership with Spartanburg Academic Movement.
Institute for Youth Justice: Leadership Training for high school juniors and seniors, focusing on education about the criminal justice system and building relationships, supported by the provision of program supplies.
Project Hope Foundation: Grant for courtyard furniture, including round picnic tables with benches, to support the comfort and integration of autistic youth and adults.
We Care For You Inc.: Support for a shoe giveaway initiative for youth in Spartanburg County in collaboration with BRUH Mentor, including portable shoe racks and 10 pairs of shoes.
For the purposes of its grants, Ball4Good considers 501(c)(3) non-profit and tax-exempt organizations that serve youth. Qualifying entities must demonstrate that funds will benefit local services, particularly those impacting at-risk youth, education, family services, health services, homelessness, and poverty.
The organization is grateful to its student volunteers and grants committee for their remarkable leadership and vision to continue to drive Ball4Good’s mission to unite communities through the power of sports.
This year’s award banquet is being held before our founder embarks on an internship, working for NBC Universal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further showcasing his dedication and passion for sports.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors, players, and volunteers who make our mission possible. Your generous contributions and unwavering support play a pivotal role in helping Ball4Good uplift the community and create lasting change.
To our donors, your financial support enables us to fund vital programs that benefit those in need. To the players, your passion for the game and dedication to our cause inspire us every day. To our volunteers, your time and effort are invaluable; without you, our initiatives wouldn’t touch as many lives as they do. Thank you for standing with us and helping make our vision a reality. Together, we are building a stronger, more united community.
Founded in 2017, Ball4Good is dedicated to fostering community development and support through sports-related initiatives. The organization has consistently worked to uplift nonprofits and charitable causes within Spartanburg County and beyond, promoting positive change and inspiring the next generation of community leaders.
We are pleased to announce that the deadline for application submissions for the 2024 Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Game Grant has been extended to March 1st, 2024. Please review the official Request for Proposals at the following link. Submissions should be made to info@ball4good.org.
Ball4Good is inviting applications from eligible organizations that would like to apply to receive a grant to support direct services. The application is now open and due by 11:59PM EST on February 16th, 2024.
Eligibility
Ball4Good considers only those organizations and institutions that are recognized as 501(c)(3) non-profit and/or tax-exempt entities providing services to the residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina. By meeting these criteria, certain institutions, and organizations located outside
Spartanburg County may be eligible for funding; however, funding is restricted to benefit Spartanburg County only. Organizations that serve multiple counties must clearly show that the funds will remain in Spartanburg County. Additionally, eligible organizations must provide services that impact children in one of the following areas:
● At-risk Youth
● Education
● Family Services
● Health Services
● Homelessness
● Poverty
The Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Games will not provide funding for:
● Annual fund campaigns
● Annual operating support other than for start-up purposes
● Lobbying activities, political organizations, or candidates for public offices ● Individual projects
● Organizations that have received $5,000 or more in funding from Ball4Good in the past 24 months
2024 Ball4Good Request for Proposals
Grant Application — in order to be considered, applicants must submit the following:
Cover sheet that includes the following:
● Name and address of organization
● Organization’s tax identification number
● Organization’s mission statement
● Grant contact name and email/phone number
● Requested grant amount
● Proof of 501 (c) (3) – IRS determination letter
● Organization’s most recent IRS form 990
Proposal narrative (maximum of two pages, must be in a font of at least 12 point size and have reasonable margins) that addresses the following:
○ A description of the project for which you are requesting funds. Include the depth and reach of the project (degree and duration of intervention and number of people served).
○ A detailed, itemized project budget and an outline of how the funds requested will be used.
○ An explanation of how your organization addresses one or more specific community need(s)/issue(s). Describe how this project will work to address that need/issue. Please include supporting data.
○ A project timeline.
○ The measurable outcomes/goals you hope to achieve and how you plan to measure progress. Include the specific measurements that will be used. ○ If community partners are involved, list each partner and their role in the project.
Please email proposals toinfo@ball4good.orgby 11:59PM EST on February 16th, 2024
Process
Applications will be reviewed by a Grants Committee representative of students who reside in Spartanburg County. Students across the county will vote for the final recipient.
