5th Annual Campaign Encourages Golfers Nationwide to Nominate Deserving Nonprofits to Receive Donation
Lincoln, NE – GolfStatus, Dormie Network, and Dormie Network Foundation are proud to announce the return of Play It Forward, a campaign that shines a spotlight on deserving nonprofit organizations that are using the power of golf to drive meaningful impact and further their missions. Through this annual campaign, one outstanding charity golf event will receive a $10,000 donation in 2025.
From August 1 to September 30, supporters are encouraged to nominate a charity golf tournament they love. Anyone can submit a nomination, including event organizers, participants, sponsors, volunteers, or supporters. Nominators are asked to provide a clear, detailed and compelling description of why they are nominating the charity golf event, what they’re raising money for and why they should receive the $10,000 donation. This information will be reviewed by the selection committee and used to determine the winner.
At the end of the nomination period, one deserving golf fundraiser will be selected to receive the $10,000 donation. The person who submitted the winning nomination will receive a Dormie Network Stay and Play Package, which includes a two-day, one-night golf getaway at one of its premier private destination clubs.
“Over the past few years, the Play It Forward campaign has successfully recognized everyday heroes, utilizing the game of golf to create a true impact on their communities,” says Brian Schenk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Dormie Network Foundation. “It is always fun to read the amazing nominations we receive every year, and it truly is an honor to be able to celebrate the tournaments and the people who make it all possible.”
Eligible events include any type of golf fundraiser, whether it’s a traditional 18-hole tournament, TopGolf event, mini golf fundraiser or anything in between. Events can be hosted directly by a nonprofit organization or by a third-party fundraiser that benefits a charity.
Since its inception in 2021, Play It Forward has awarded $50,000 to organizations using golf as a fundraising tool. Below is a list of the deserving organizations that have received funds through the Play It Forward campaign.
- 2024: Coalition 4 Kids. Supporting over 1,200 vulnerable students in northwest Tennessee, C4K uses funds from its annual Golf Classic to offer after-school and evening programs in one of the area’s most underserved communities. C4K helps students achieve academic, physical, social and spiritual growth.
- 2023: Avery’s Hope. Avery’s Hope assists families of children living with rare and undiagnosed GI conditions. Its TopGolf fundraiser creates a more inclusive event for the families it serves, highlighting how alternative golf fundraisers can also make a huge impact.
- 2022: Sisters Across America and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Sisters Across America supports young minority women pursuing professional golf, while Make-A-Wish’s Pro-Am for Wishes helps grant life-changing experiences to critically ill children across the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley regions.
- 2021: Cameron Steinberg Foundation. Founded in memory of Cameron Steinberg, who passed away from a congenital heart defect at two months old, the foundation launched by her parents has raised over $200,000 for CHD research and family support through golf fundraisers. Media can access video from the 2023 event.
Play It Forward: 2025 Schedule
- August 1, 2025: Nomination period opens
- September 30, 2025: Nomination deadline
- December 2, 2025 (Giving Tuesday): Winner announced
“Golf tournaments do more than raise money. They build community, spread awareness and inspire change,” says Steve Mattern, Chief Operating Officer at GolfStatus. “Through Play It Forward, we’re proud to elevate the incredible work being done by nonprofits and the passionate people behind their events.”
Nominate a golf tournament at golfstatus.com/playitforward.
Media can access photos and videos through the GolfStatus or Dormie Network Media Kits.
About GolfStatus
GolfStatus helps nonprofits leverage the giving power of golf to raise more dollars, engage supporters, and do more good. Its robust golf event management platform streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish to save time and enhance the overall event experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines powerful technology with practical golf fundraising resources and industry-leading support to make charity golf tournaments easy, approachable, and efficient for organizations of all types and sizes. Visit golfstatus.com.
About Dormie Network
Dormie Network is a national network of private destination golf clubs that includes ArborLinks in Nebraska City, Nebraska; Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Virginia; Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas; Dormie Club in West End, North Carolina; GrayBull Club in Maxwell, Nebraska; Hidden Creek Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Indiana. Each offers a premier experience where pure golf meets genuine hospitality. Learn more at DormieNetwork.com.
About Dormie Network Foundation
Dormie Network Foundation supports nonprofits through in-kind donations and direct cash grants and seeks to build long-term relationships with its nonprofit partners to help them raise the bar on fundraising opportunities. Learn more at DormieNetworkFoundation.org