Southern Pickleball Academy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Southern Pickleball Academy promotes healthy youth development and stronger communities through pickleball. We create opportunities for physical activity skill development and positive social interaction for all ages with emphasis on youth engagement. Our programs make pickleball accessible to improve physical health mental wellbeing and community cohesion. For youth we combine athletic instruction with character development teaching values like respect responsibility and sportsmanship while building confidence and fitness. For adults we organize competitive events promoting cardiovascular health cognitive stimulation and social connection. By bringing diverse community members together around pickleball we facilitate meaningful connections across demographic boundaries and promote a culture of wellness. Our tournaments instructional offerings and community events create accessible pathways to improved physical health stronger social bonds and enhanced quality of life.
- Income
- $27,692
- Spending
- $18,822
- Reserves
- 19.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 57%
- Highest pay
- $3,660, instructor
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $1,675 spent. In 2025 Southern Pickleball Academy hosted the 3rd Annual Reindeer Games our largest fundraising tournament and a beloved community tradition. The event engaged 80 players in meaningful competition that advances our mission of promoting physical health social connection and community cohesion through pickleball. Participants benefited from cardiovascular exercise and pickleballs unique cognitive demands while building friendships through spirited play. The Reindeer Games continues to grow as a signature event that unites community members around shared values of healthy activity and friendly competition while generating essential funding for our youth development programs.
- $3,071 spent. In 2025 First Paddle expanded significantly offering five sessions including a summer camp and introducing a Level 2 curriculum for graduates ready to advance their skills. This progressive pickleball program serves youth ages 9 -14 integrating athletic instruction with character development centered on six core values: respect responsibility integrity communication perseverance and sportsmanship. Level 2 deepened pickleball proficiency and reinforced character growth among returning participants building on the foundation established in Level 1. Under professionally-trained instructors and dedicated mentors students across both levels experienced measurable skill advancement in a supportive environment. First Paddles continued growth reflects strong community demand and our commitment to nurturing healthy youth development through sport.
- $535 spent. In 2025 Southern Pickleball Academy hosted the Battle of the Paddles a tournament created exclusively for youth ages 8-18 that engaged 20 participants across three age-appropriate competitive brackets. Bronze silver and gold medals were awarded in each division recognizing achievement and encouraging continued athletic growth. A professional referee officiated playoff matches providing participants an authentic tournament experience and deepening their understanding of official rules and competitive standards. This exposure built confidence and raised the bar for young competitors. Through friendly but serious competition the Battle of the Paddles promoted physical fitness community connection and personal development among school-aged youth advancing our mission of healthy youth development through pickleball.
- $778 spent. Community Engagement: The Academys Community Engagement programming extended our mission beyond structured programs through multiple open accessible events serving players of all ages and backgrounds. Pickleball & Pizza and Dinks & Donuts open play gatherings fostered social connection among returning players volunteers and newcomers in a welcoming low-barrier environment. A New Player Clinic brought pickleball instruction directly to an under-resourced community while integration into Gregg Park Civic Centers youth summer camp reached young participants through an established community partner. These touchpoints collectively expanded The Academys reach cultivated new players deepened community relationships and reinforced our core belief that pickleball is a powerful vehicle for physical health social connection and community cohesion.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.