(The Moca Foundation $30K 2025 Grant for Gilroy Youth – Published 08/01/2025) The Moca Foundation provided $14K to support course sessions for Gilroy youth and $16K to support our School Program at Gilroy Title 1 Schools.
Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite financial aid at Gavilan
First Tee – Silicon delivers our youth development program at 3 locations throughout Silicon Valley with Gavilan College Golf Course serving South County youth. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship. The Moca Foundation grant will help underwrite financial aid which is available on a sliding scale and can reduce the fee to $20-$180 per session. Gilroy/Gavilan Course Program is growing and so is the need for Financial Aid. In 2024, FTSV had 19% of FTSV Gavilan participants receive financial aid. We will be able to increase financial aid this year thanks to Moca’s support.
Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools
We are also excited to announce that The Moca Foundation will be providing a financial aid grant to underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools. The 3 Gilroy Schools: South Valley Middle School Solorsano Middle School, and Mt, Madonna High School that MOCA provided funding for last year are returning plus 2 new schools: Glen View Elementary School and Eliot Elementary School. Our goal is to transition/recruit low-income kids from our School Program to our Course Program at Gavilan Golf Course. The Moca Grant will underwrite golf and games equipment, training and a field trip to Gavilan for these 5 schools.
May van Scherrenburg, The Moca Foundation Associate Director shared…
“We are proud to support First Tee – Silicon Valley’s efforts of character and leadership development for Gilroy youth for our 3rd year. I have experienced first- hand with my son Drake participating for 6 years how they foster a culture of acceptance and provide mentorship. Golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build the strength of character and life skills that they can use both on and off the golf course.”
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support our programs or improvements, please contact Judy Dixon Deaton, Development Director [email protected] or 408-508-4881.