Caitlin Clark Surprised with $22,000 Grant for Her Foundation at Anakah LPGA Event

Caitlin Clark, the rising star in women’s sports, recently experienced a heartwarming moment that left both fans and colleagues buzzing with excitement. Just days after completing a standout rookie season in collegiate basketball, Clark attended the Anakah LPGA event, where she received a special surprise that would fuel her growing legacy of giving back to the community.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Caitlin was honored with the 22nd Parody Week Grant, a generous $22,000 donation to her namesake foundation, the Caitlin Clark Foundation. The grant, presented by Dan Tarus, President and CEO of Group 101, is awarded annually to an individual whose influence and contributions—both on and off the court—make a significant impact on their community. For Caitlin, the donation provides crucial support for her foundation’s ongoing initiatives, which focus on sport, nutrition, and education for young people.

The moment was particularly meaningful given Caitlin’s iconic association with the number 22, a symbol of her achievements and aspirations. As Caitlin received the grant, she was visibly moved by the recognition, expressing gratitude for the support and the opportunity to further her foundation’s mission. “It’s very surprising, and I’m very thankful,” she said. “Dan has been a great partner of mine, and Gainbridge has supported me since my college days. Now, coming to Indianapolis and being part of the Fever, it’s an honor to be part of this amazing team.”

The Caitlin Clark Foundation was established with the goal of helping underprivileged children achieve their full potential through access to sports, educational resources, and healthy eating initiatives. The foundation’s work aligns seamlessly with the values of Gainbridge, the sponsor that presented the grant, and Caitlin is excited to continue this important work with their backing.

As part of her involvement in the Anakah LPGA event, Caitlin also participated in the Pro-Am, where she teed off alongside golf pros and fans, showcasing her competitive spirit in a new arena. Golf is a sport Caitlin has loved since childhood, and her participation in the event was a natural extension of her passion for athletics and mentorship.

“I’ve always loved golf. I grew up playing it, and it’s special to me,” Caitlin shared during the event. “To be here, to be part of something like this—it’s not work to me. It’s an honor. And I’m just so excited to be around women who have paved the way in this game, especially someone like Anuka, who is a legend in the sport.”

For Caitlin, inspiring the next generation of athletes is personal. During her time on the court and in the spotlight, she often reflects on the young girls who look up to her, often seeing tears of joy in their eyes as they cheer for her. “When I was their age, I was doing the same thing,” she recalled. “I was begging my parents to take me to games and meet the players, whether they were in high school, college, or the pros. It was such a powerful experience for me, and now, I’m in the position to give that back.”

Caitlin emphasized the importance of recognizing the mutual relationship between athletes and their fans, explaining that while fans are inspired by athletes, it’s equally impactful for athletes to see the joy they bring to others. “It’s amazing to see how much joy it brings them, and it’s so fulfilling to know that you’re making a difference in their lives,” she said. “That one game or one moment can mean so much in their childhood.”

The Parody Week Grant, presented in front of a cheering crowd, is just the latest in a series of milestones for Caitlin Clark, who continues to build her influence both in sports and off the court. As her foundation grows, Caitlin remains focused on giving back and uplifting young people through her three core pillars of sport, nutrition, and education.

With the support of sponsors like Gainbridge, Caitlin Clark’s impact is sure to reach even greater heights, empowering future generations of athletes and inspiring them to chase their dreams just as she has. As Caitlin herself put it, “This isn’t a job—it’s an honor, and I’m just so thankful to be part of something so special.”

To keep up with Caitlin’s journey and the ongoing work of her foundation, fans are encouraged to follow her on social media, where they can stay updated on new initiatives and events. And for those interested in supporting the Caitlin Clark Foundation, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.