Emmy-winning sports journalist Taylor Rooks announced the launch of her new foundation on July 11, 2025. The Taylor Rooks Foundation (TRF) focuses on supporting underrepresented communities through funding and meaningful opportunities. The foundation is backed by the Players Philanthropy Fund Inc. and aims to amplify voices that are often overlooked.
Rooks emphasized that her work centers on trust, community, and transformative support. She believes that equity begins with access to care, confidence, and opportunity. The foundation represents her commitment to creating lasting change beyond her media career.
Taylor Rooks Foundation Prioritizes Access and Community Support
“I believe that equity starts with access—access to care, to confidence, to opportunity,” Rooks said in her foundation announcement. Her mission statement reflects a deep understanding of systemic barriers facing underrepresented communities. The foundation operates on the principle that single acts of support can completely transform someone’s life story.
The Taylor Rooks Foundation addresses often-overlooked needs through purpose-driven action. This approach ensures that resources reach communities that traditionally lack adequate support systems. Rooks’ background in sports journalism has given her unique insights into the power of mentorship and community investment.
The foundation’s work is rooted in the belief that meaningful change happens through sustained engagement. Rather than one-time donations, TRF focuses on building lasting relationships with partner organizations. This strategy allows for deeper impact and more effective resource allocation.
Lower East Side Girls Club Receives Inaugural Foundation Support
The Taylor Rooks Foundation kicked off its philanthropic work with a donation to the Lower East Side Girls Club. Rooks personally visited the organization to connect with the girls through games and activities. Her hands-on approach demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to authentic community engagement.
The Lower East Side Girls Club serves female-identified and gender-expansive youth in New York City. The organization provides free innovative programming and vital services to participants and their families. TRF’s funding helps support these critical programs at a time when community need is particularly urgent.
“Funding from the Taylor Rooks Foundation supports the Lower East Side Girls Club’s free innovative programming and vital services,” a club representative stated. The partnership enables the organization to expand its reach and impact. This collaboration exemplifies TRF’s focus on supporting grassroots organizations that directly serve underrepresented communities.
Foundation Tackles Teacher Supply Crisis Through Targeted Donations
The Taylor Rooks Foundation’s next initiative focuses on supporting educators through Teachers’ Supplies for Success. This program addresses the critical issue of classroom supply shortages affecting schools nationwide. Many teachers spend hundreds of dollars annually from their own pockets to stock their classrooms.
American teachers typically spend between $500 and $750 out of pocket each year on classroom supplies. Some educators invest even more of their personal funds to provide students with necessary materials. This financial strain affects teacher retention and limits educational opportunities for students.
The foundation’s support for Teachers’ Supplies for Success helps provide essential classroom supplies and equipment. This initiative recognizes that well-equipped classrooms are fundamental to student success. By relieving teachers of this financial burden, TRF enables educators to focus on instruction rather than fundraising.
Sports Journalist Expands Impact Beyond Media Career
Taylor Rooks has built a distinguished career as an Emmy-winning sports journalist. Her work has given her platform and influence that she now leverages for philanthropic purposes. The foundation represents a natural extension of her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
Throughout her media career, Rooks has demonstrated skill in building trust with interview subjects and communities. These same qualities inform her approach to foundation work and community engagement. Her authentic connections with people drive the foundation’s mission and strategy.
The transition from journalism to philanthropy allows Rooks to create lasting change beyond storytelling. While her media work highlights important issues, the foundation enables direct action and support. This dual approach maximizes her impact across multiple platforms and communities.
Foundation’s Future Plans Focus on Sustainable Community Impact
“The mission behind TRF means a lot to me, and the steps ahead are just as important as our first,” Rooks wrote on Instagram. Her statement indicates that the foundation has ambitious plans for expanding its reach and impact. The organization appears committed to sustainable growth and strategic partnerships.
The foundation’s backing by the Players Philanthropy Fund Inc. provides institutional support and expertise. This partnership ensures that TRF can operate efficiently and maximize its charitable impact. The collaboration also connects the foundation to a broader network of philanthropic resources.
Future initiatives will likely continue focusing on access, equity, and community empowerment. The foundation’s early work with girls’ organizations and educator support suggests a pattern of addressing systemic inequities. Rooks’ emphasis on “rewriting someone’s story” indicates a long-term commitment to transformative change.
