BGCTNV receives Building Community Fund Grant from Papa Johns Foundation

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Papa Johns Foundation’s Building Community Fund. This funding will directly support YouthForce, a program that connects teens (ages 14-18) with businesses invested in their professional development.

YouthForce offers a variety of activities to help teens build essential workforce skills, including identifying career interests, navigating the application process, mastering soft skills, and charting their long-term educational paths.

The program’s impact is already evident: 100% of Technical Training Camp participants gained career-aligned skills, and 96% of YouthForce interns improved their job readiness. The grant was made possible through a nomination by Papa Johns franchise partner Chris Coffey, CEO of Home Run, Inc., who owns and operates restaurants throughout the Knoxville area.

“Thanks to the generous support from the Papa Johns Foundation, we can offer more of our members the opportunity to participate in YouthForce and develop crucial skills,” Bart McFadden, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “This funding will ensure the program remains accessible and ensure that our members and local community have access to the tools and experiences they need to succeed as young leaders.”

In 2021, the Papa Johns Foundation launched the Building Community Fund, which empowers U.S. franchise partners to support their communities by nominating local organizations addressing one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas – youth leadership and entrepreneurship, and food insecurity. The Papa Johns Foundation has invested more than $5 million in local franchise communities since launching the Building Community Fund in 2021.

“At Papa Johns, we believe in supporting organization that strengthen communities and open doors for future generations,” said Coffey, “I started working here at Papa Johns as a delivery driver 33 years ago. It’s such a pleasure to give back to the community that helped our business grow strong. So, we are thrilled to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley through our Building Community Grant to support their YouthForce program. By investing in college and workforce readiness, we’re helping young people gain valuable skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in their careers and beyond.”

Since 2021, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been awarded over 120 grants to support local Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide with the funding total of over $882,500. The support from the Papa Johns Foundation’s Building Community Fund will make a significant impact on the future of Boys & Girls Clubs which currently serves over 3 million youth across the globe, empowering them to become leaders who will contribute to the long-term success and growth of their communities.

For more information about the Papa Johns Foundation’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and its commitment to youth and community development, visit our partnership page.

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ABOUT PAPA JOHNS FOUNDATION
Papa Johns Foundation supports U.S.-based organizations focused on youth leadership & entrepreneurship and food insecurity. Since launching in 2019, the foundation has invested $13.7 million in nonprofit organizations serving local communities.