We’re committed to learning from our grant making so we can better support funded organisations and increase long-term impact.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Bean Research as our independent Learning & Evaluation Partner.
Together, we’re exploring what works in increasing access to tennis and padel for underserved communities - capturing insights, measuring social value, and building knowledge to drive meaningful change.
Our approach
We’ve developed an Impact Framework in partnership with Bean Research.
The Impact Framework sets out how LTA Tennis Foundation (LTA TF) funding, alongside funded partners’ activities, is expected to lead to the outcomes LTA TF aims to achieve - improved lives and stronger communities through tennis.
The framework is the lens through which all grants are evaluated, providing a shared structure for tracking reach, outcomes for individuals (such as physical health, wellbeing and life skills), and wider community change (including expanded provision and increased inclusion), while allowing flexibility in how organisations deliver locally.
The framework supports consistent, proportionate assessment and reporting of the impact LTA TF is seeking to achieve.
Reporting process
Funded partners report twice a year:
- A light-touch six-month check-in
- A more detailed annual monitoring form
We use these to understand the impact of our funding and where we can improve, helping us learn from our partners and strengthen our support.
What is it about tennis that enables change?
Bean Research’s initial review of our funded projects shows that tennis is a powerful tool for engaging underserved communities and driving meaningful social impact, for several reasons:
- Sociability – Tennis builds connections both on and off the court
- Individual or group sport – It can be played in different settings and to suit different group sizes
- Adaptability – Tennis is suitable for all ages, abilities, and environments
- Numeracy and literacy – Supports learning through structured play
- Longevity – From the youngest to the oldest generations, tennis is a sport for life, promoting long-term wellbeing
Our work to date
Collectively, LTA TF's Grant Making Framework has delivered at least £21,468,523 of social value through its funded partners.
And in 2025 grant funding supported:
Meet our Learning & Evaluation partner
Bean Research helps organisations create and measure impact, by championing and supporting evidence of what works and how social value is created.
Bean’s work is underpinned by rigorous research techniques – in frameworks or Theories of Change, evaluation, analysis and social impact assessment metrics, to both report the difference made and understand how social value can be enhanced – to improve, as well as prove.
