Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Awards $250,000 to Women's Sports Foundation on National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Significant Grant for Women's Sports

On February 4, 2026, in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, alongside the New York Jets, unveiled a substantial grant of $250,000 to the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF). This initiative is a continuation of the Foundation's commitment to empower women in sports, particularly in roles of leadership and coaching.

Woody Johnson, director of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, emphasized that this financial support is aimed at bolstering career pathways for women in coaching positions within both collegiate and professional sports. This donation aligns with previous funding by the Foundation, which included a $1 million investment into the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League, further establishing a firm foundation for women in sports.

Investing in Future Leaders

The Women's Sports Foundation has been a critical advocate for female representation in athletics since its inception by Billie Jean King in 1974. The organization seeks to counter the underrepresentation of women in coaching roles—where less than 40% of head coaching positions and fewer than 30% of assistant coaching roles in women’s NCAA sports are held by women.

This grant specifically supports two notable funds: the Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching and the Scott Pioli Family Fund for Women Football Coaches and Scouts. By enhancing funding for entry-level coaching positions, the grants not only support financial remuneration but also provide essential educational resources and mentorship programs for both current and former recipients of the funds.

During the announcement, Johnson stated, "Working with the Women's Sports Foundation was a logical next step for us. We've already invested in women's flag football through our commitment to the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League. This approach underlines our commitment to promoting opportunities for female athletes and future coaches in sports."

A Broader Impact

In her remarks, Danette Leighton, CEO of the Women's Sports Foundation, acknowledged the profound impact such support has on women's participation in sports. "When we invest in women in sport, we expand opportunity, leadership, and longstanding impact," she noted. This partnership aims to not only address disparities in coaching but also to empower women to ascend into leadership roles within the sports landscape.

The timing of this announcement coincides with the celebrations for National Girls and Women in Sports Day—a moment dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women in athletics and reinforcing the importance of their continued representation. The significant funding from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation is poised to create ripples across the sports community, facilitating partnerships and fostering environments where female leadership can thrive.

Legacy of Philanthropy

The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the legacy of its namesake, a philanthropic visionary whose commitment to community betterment remains unfaltering. With a focus on education, arts, and sports, the Foundation embodies Johnson's values of compassion and dignity for all. Noteworthy contributions, such as her historic $11 million donation to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, cement her reputation as a powerful advocate for numerous charitable causes.

With the upcoming launch of the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League set to begin play in March 2026, this latest grant marks a pivotal moment in the drive for women’s equality in sports. As WSF continues to advocate for systemic change in the sports sphere, the backing from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation will undoubtably catalyze further initiatives aimed at increasing female representation and leadership within the realm of athletics.

This partnership epitomizes a collective effort to uplift female athletes and develop a generation of coaches capable of leading and inspiring future athletes. As the world observes National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we are reminded of the vital role that women's participation in sports plays in society—not just for the athletes themselves but for future leaders across all sectors of life.