The National Women’s Pickleball Foundation (NWPF), an IRS 501(c)(3) charity was founded in 2024 to bring pickleball to those with limited resources who could benefit from the physical, mental and social benefits of the sport. We provide instruction/guidance and coaching, ready courts through our "Pickleball in a Box" program and supply nets paddles and balls to qualifying non profits.

In 2025 the NWPF will launch and expand our reach in partnership several charities which will be announced at our inaugural event on April 2nd in Boca Raton.

NWPF was formed out of a love for pickleball by two successful women, Catherine Gould Barton and Alita Friedman.

In 2019 Catherine saw the need for a women's league in Palm Beach County Florida and she founded the women’s Power Pickleball League for female players aged 55+. The league now hosts over 80 teams and 2,000 active players! In 2021 Alita Friedman became a captain in this league and instantly found the love for pickleball.

Catherine, now a pickleball pro and longtime tennis player had spent her career as an architect turned digital expert. Alita, a former CPA, renowned brand builder & licensing expert was ready to build her next big brand. After many conversations they decided to go for it and start non-profit entity to further the sport of pickleball and allow women to lead the charge through volunteerism and philanthropy.

There has never been a better time to play in the women's sports industry!

NWPF will expand pickleball to:

Enrich the lives of the disadvantaged by providing access and resources to play
Strengthen communities through play
Promote physical fitness
Provide social engagement
Improve mental health and combat solitude

Help us to provide the experience of pickleball to underserved communities by making a donation today.

2025 General Campaign

National Women’s Pickleball Foundation Launch