NATIONAL SPORTS FUNDING FORUM WEDNESDAYS 5pm
- Wardell Brantley
- Jan 27
- 12 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Event Purpose
To unify the entire Student-Athlete Eco-System to establish a private unending funding source their success, with a focus on Mental Health, Career Services, and Community and Organizational Economic Development.
Once a month, the Vertical Segment Groups are invited to the Wednesday Funding Forum Sessions, where they meet with groups of thirty corporations. During these meetings, they present and discuss purchasing contracts formed through these funding sessions in exchange for the $80,000 contracts, amounting to $24 million.
The Vertical Segments will also encourage all local teams, programs, and student-athletes to join the pc sports connect Membership. This membership will allow them to have the card before the funding begins, enabling them to access funds more quickly with their letter of intent, which is included in the line to accept the funding and sports cards when they become available.
Event Information
Location: Atlantic Collegiate Academy
5086 Bear Bluff Road, Conway, SC
Time: 4:00pm Doors open (networking, photos, filming etc.)
5:00pm Program Starts - 6:30pm End
Zoom Link: Zoom Meeting
Contact us: Wardell Brantley (843) 465-7236 wbrantley@CarolinaMediaArts.com
Attire/Dress: Casual or Work Attire
Light: Light Food & Refreshments
Atmosphere: Light, Fun, Family, Work, Passionate for Community
All Groups Work-through and Communicate through: Google Sheets here
WEEKLY AGENDAS
All Dates and Attendees
Date | Vertical Segment Meeting-Group | Topics for Discussion agenda * attendees * podcast |
2/11 | Local Sports Media | What is needed from your professional perspective |
2/18 | Professional Athletes | How funding will help their Charities and programs. Their local influence |
2/25 | Local Sponsors & All Media | Guaranteed Contracts for their support. |
3/4 | All ACA Students, Staff & Teachers | Pep Rally and School Update on the progress of the program and funding f |
3/11 | Recreation Centers | Needs to serve their communities. Current Programs. |
3/18 | Athletic Directors & Coaches | Needs & Solutions at their schools. |
3/25 | Principals and Board of Education | How funding works with their schools. Current Needs, Programs Ticket Provider |
4/1 | Elementary School Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. |
4/8 | Middle School Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. |
4/22 | High School Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. |
4/29 | Collegiate Coaches, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. |
5/6 | Sports Brands, Apparel and Equipment Manufacturers | Service Provider Contracts Information |
5/13 | College Representatives | How funding and Connect Cards work with their schools |
5/20 | Local Nonprofits | Roles, Benefits and Funding |
5/27 | Local Churches | Roles, Benefits and Funding |
6/3 | Professional Sports Teams | Roles, Benefits and Funding |
6/10 | Sports Marketing & Management Companies | Service Provider Contracts |
6/17 | Companies: Media, Content Production, Technology | Service Provider Contracts |
6/24 | Banks and Financial Institutions | Financial options for Building Projects Stadiums, Gymnasiums etc. |
7/1 | Corporate Support Brands Auto, Fashion, | 7% Contract Discussions |
7/8 | Sports: Health, Fitness, Insurance, Food | 7% Contract Discussions |
7/15 | Seniors and Veterans (Communities, Nursing Homes etc.) | Student Athletes giving-back and serving the senior community |
7/22 | Healthcare Providers (Hospitals, Medical care and Pharmaceuticals) | Health Care Industry United to Serve Student Athletes |
7/29 | Horry County Chambers of Commerce (all) | The Effects of Sports Tourism Sports Industry on the Grand Strand |
8/5 | Myrtle Beach Economic Development Corporation | Horry County Economic Development Plans |
General Discussions and documents for every session
Where the two million dollars originate. How to acquire it, maintain it, circulate it, who receives it, and the reasons behind it.
The impact of vertical-segment communication and purchasing on a single platform.
The Purpose of This Industry's Meeting Groups
Creating a public list of the top 25 issues in the area that need to be addressed and prioritized.
The Cue
The Student Production Teams and Media Arts Centers.
What resources are currently accessible to student-athletes in building the (SRRN).
The Meeting with the 30 Corporate Funders over 30 Days.
The discussions and collaboration with this group continue after the meeting.
2/11 SPORTS REPORTERS & MEDIA
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
AGENDA
5:00 Welcome Dr. Cheryl McKinley,
Sean Piestrop Introduce Production & Tech Students
Mrs. Introduce Journalism Students
5:05 Introductions of all Attendees (2 minute summary each)
5:15 Purpose of the Gathering of this specific group of Sports Media
Panel Introduced
Wardell Brantley How discussions will be conducted
5:20 Wardell Brantley - Topics for Discussion (summaries)
follow along online for details on all processes and flows here
OUR GROUP'S GOAL:
To develop a comprehensive list of projects and programs that are needed to be funded. Present the number to the top 30 companies who will get the contracts for the services and products needed. The companies who will pay 7% for the contracts.
To Provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the source, acquisition process, management, distribution, and intended recipients of the $24 million.
To Assess the impact of sports reporters communicating, collaborating and conducting transactions on a unified platform as it relates to funding student athletes and their careers.
To Clearly articulate the objectives of this "Sports-Reporters-Vertical" Meeting Group and how this group can greatly influence the 30 corporate funders.
The Cue: To make sure everyone is in the queue, which facilitates quick acquisition of funds and ensures recipients are ready and prepared when the funds are distributed to them.
To Enumerate and prioritize the group’s top 25 issues to guide the distribution of funds; establish criteria and processes for determining priorities.
To Identify current resources available to student-athletes based on individual expertise and networks, and work towards building the Local Sports Resource & Referral Network.
To Define the purpose and operational framework of the Student production teams, media arts centers and the work portal (workforce development programs), including how deliverables are achieved.
The Sports reporters serving as mentors to the student sports reporters seeking careers in sports media (determine a mentoring day and time each month).
Potential work with the reporters (covering games etc.).
To Schedule a meeting in 30 days with the identified corporate funders to present our value proposition to the 30 targeted corporations, each expected to provide $80,000 per million dollars in sales for dedicated spending within the Vertical.
Develop subsequent steps for group collaboration, ongoing initiatives, and preparations related to funding opportunities post-meeting.
To Ensure that members, their organizations, and affiliates are appropriately positioned to be prioritized when funds become accessible.
Clarify the distribution of individual and organizational resources or compensation for contributions to this vertical, which is essential for securing funding.
Specify individual compensation for service to the group.
Detail support for associated organizations serving the community or student-
After this Meeting: Our weekly Zoom meetings, newsletter, blog, and podcast will facilitate ongoing communication with stakeholders, funders, and constituents. Please ensure your subscription to these channels is up to date.
WORK-PLATFORMS & WORK DOCUMENTS:
Smartsheet - Group Workflow Sheet -
30-60-90 Plan: HERE
To Do List: HERE
Student Athlete Issues & Solutions: Worksheet Here
Sports Programs Issues and Solutions: Worksheet Here
30-60-90 DAY ACTIVITIES, GOALS, WORK FLOWS
30 Day
60 Day
90 Day
INVITED
WPDE
WBTW
WMBF
Fox
Cumulus
I-Heart Radio
2/18 PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
AGENDA - FEBRUARY 18, 2026 (5:00pm - 6:30pm)
5:00 Welcome Dr. Cheryl McKinley, Students & Staff
5:05 Introductions of all Attendees (2 minute summary)
5:15 Purpose of the Gathering of this specific group of Sports Media
5:20 to 6:30pm Topics for Discussion (summaries)
To Provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the source, acquisition process, management, distribution, and intended recipients of the $24 million.
To Assess the impact of pro-athlete charities communicating, collaborating and conducting transactions on a unified platform.
To Clearly articulate the objectives of this Pro-Athlete Vertical Meeting Group.
To Outline each pro-athlete's charitable initiatives, programs, or goals, and examine the rationale, timing, and funding allocations for these projects.
To Enumerate and prioritize the group’s top 25 issues to guide the distribution of funds; establish criteria and processes for determining priorities.
To Identify current resources available to student-athletes based on individual expertise and networks, and work towards building the Local Sports Resource & Referral Network.
To Define the purpose and operational framework of the Student production teams, media arts centers and the work portal (workforce development programs), including how deliverables are achieved.
To Schedule a meeting in 30 days with the identified corporate funders to present our value proposition to the 30 targeted corporations, each expected to provide $80,000 per million dollars in sales for dedicated spending within the Vertical.
Ensure that members, their organizations, and affiliates are appropriately positioned to be prioritized when funds become accessible.
Develop subsequent steps for group collaboration, ongoing initiatives, and preparations related to funding opportunities post-meeting.
Clarify the distribution of individual and organizational resources or compensation for contributions to this vertical, which is essential for securing funding.
Specify individual compensation for service to the group.
Detail support for associated organizations serving the community or student-athletes.
Acknowledge the primary organization of employment.
After this Meeting: Our weekly Zoom meetings, newsletter, blog, and podcast will facilitate ongoing communication with stakeholders, funders, and constituents. Please ensure your subscription to these channels is up to date.
TO DO NEXT
Outline your list of needs for your charitable program or events.
Submit a list of Ten Professional Athletes and their programs, organizations or events (invite them to our Group Meeting to receive the same funding you are receiving for their communities).
2/25 LOCAL SPONSORS & MEDIA
ATTENDEES
Sports Media
Retired and Current Professional Athletes
Local Event Sponsors
Local Teams, Coaches, Athletic Directors and Sports Program Leaders.
Sports Reporters and local, regional and national media outlets.
Local School Teachers, Educators, Mentors and Counselors.
Representatives from area: Colleges, Professional Teams and Associations
Major Sports Brands
3/4 ACA STUDENTS & STAFF
MARCH 3, 2026 (5:00pm - 6:30pm)
Agenda
5:00 Welcome Dr. Cheryl McKinley, Students & Staff
5:05 Introductions of all Attendees (2 minute summary)
5:15 Purpose of the Gathering of this specific group of Sports Media
5:20 to 6:30pm Topics for Discussion (summaries)
To Provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the source, acquisition process, management, distribution, and intended recipients of the $24 million.
To Assess the impact of pro-athlete charities communicating, collaborating and conducting transactions on a unified platform.
To Clearly articulate the objectives of this Pro-Athlete Vertical Meeting Group.
To Outline each pro-athlete's charitable initiatives, programs, or goals, and examine the rationale, timing, and funding allocations for these projects.
To Enumerate and prioritize the group’s top 25 issues to guide the distribution of funds; establish criteria and processes for determining priorities.
To Identify current resources available to student-athletes based on individual expertise and networks, and work towards building the Local Sports Resource & Referral Network.
To Define the purpose and operational framework of the Student production teams, media arts centers and the work portal (workforce development programs), including how deliverables are achieved.
To Schedule a meeting in 30 days with the identified corporate funders to present our value proposition to the 30 targeted corporations, each expected to provide $80,000 per million dollars in sales for dedicated spending within the Vertical.
Ensure that members, their organizations, and affiliates are appropriately positioned to be prioritized when funds become accessible.
Develop subsequent steps for group collaboration, ongoing initiatives, and preparations related to funding opportunities post-meeting.
Clarify the distribution of individual and organizational resources or compensation for contributions to this vertical, which is essential for securing funding.
Specify individual compensation for service to the group.
Detail support for associated organizations serving the community or student-athletes.
Acknowledge the primary organization of employment.
After this Meeting: Our weekly Zoom meetings, newsletter, blog, and podcast will facilitate ongoing communication with stakeholders, funders, and constituents. Please ensure your subscription to these channels is up to date.
3/11 RECREATION CENTERS
3/18 ATHLETIC DIRECTORS & COACHES
3/25 PRINCIPALS & BOARD OF EDUCATION
4/1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
4/8 MIDDLE SCHOOLS
4/22 HIGH SCHOOLS
4/29 COLLEGES & CURRENT COLLEGE ATHLETES
Start a Podcast - Interviewing
all current college athletes
College Athletes out of college 1-5 years (what are you doing)?
5/6 SPORTS BRANDS
5/20 NONPROFITS
5/27 CHURCHES
6/3 PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS
THE PC CUE - Get your name in Cue
Be first on the list to receive your funding when in available in your region.
Purpose of the cue, to make sure everyone is in the queue, which facilitates quick acquisition of funds and ensures recipients are ready and prepared when the funds are distributed to them.
Get in the Cue Here
2027 Impact Events
Basketball Tournament, Football Classic, and Student Success Marathon
How EnvisionMyrtleBeach.com works with the project.
Each of their Roles
How projects benefit each attendee
Speakers and Panelists
All persons, schools, organizations and industries that makes-up the student athlete's eco system is invited separetly each week to determine each area's specific role in the funding and service process that ensures a lasting funding and services and scaling nationwide. To establish a team and effective work-flow to serve or represent each community, school and sports vertical to ensure funds are effectively serving students.
Attendee Dates and Time
The Student Athlete Success Eco-System and Sports Vertical (their Village to success).
The Conversation, Planning and Work-flow Continues with each Vertical Segment after each week. Individuals from differing verticals are invited to meetings outside of their vertical based-on need.
Date | Vertical Segment Meeting Groups | Topics for Discussion agenda * attendees * podcast | 30-60-90 Day Sprint compile info & submit into automated system & funders |
2/11 | Local Sports Media | What is needed from your professional perspective | list of 50 Priority projects problem areas & issues |
2/18 | Professional Athletes | How funding will help their Charities and programs. Their local influence | List of yout top 10 needs & Professional Athlete's charities, projects, events and program. |
2/25 | Local Sponsors & All Media | Guaranteed Contracts for their support. | Supplying a gift for attendees, panelists & pro-athletes or service for the event. |
3/4 | ACA Students, Staff & Teachers | Pep Rally and School Update on the progress of the program and funding | Lead the charge for enrolling student-athletes in the Cue. Documentary on Stadium & Communication's Dept. |
3/11 | Recreation Centers After-school programs | Needs to serve their communities. Current Programs. | Complete list of your current and desired programs or projects. |
3/18 | Athletic Directors & Coaches | Needs & Solutions at their schools. | Complete list of critical needs and a list of wants. Grouping services & products so that they can be presented to the funders. Video of needs. |
3/25 | Principals and Board of Education | How funding works with their schools. Current Needs, Programs Ticket Provider | |
4/1 | Elementary School Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. (process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue). | Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school. Students are apart of the presentation to funders. |
4/8 | Middle School Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. (process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue). | Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school. |
4/22 | High School Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. (process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue). | Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school. Students are apart of the presentation to funders. |
4/29 | Collegiate Coaches, Student-athletes & Parents | Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active. (process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue). | Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school. Students are apart of the presentation to funders. |
5/6 | Sports Brands, Apparel and Equipment Manufacturers | Service Provider Contracts Information | Products they provide that fits our list |
5/13 | College Representatives | How funding and Connect Cards work with their schools | Colleges working together to put together their list of needs to be presented in 30 to 60 days. |
5/20 | Local Nonprofits Mental Health Human Services | Roles, Benefits and Funding | Role in the lives of student athletes comprehensive list of all services, ministries available and the cost. |
5/27 | Local Churches Mental & Spiritual Health programs and Services | Roles, Benefits and Funding | Mental Health Solutions list and cost. Role in the lives of student athletes comprehensive list of all services, ministries available and the cost. |
6/3 | Professional Sports Teams | Roles, Benefits and Funding | Their current method for marketing to students and their measurable investments in the local communities. Our Value Proposition for their 7% |
6/10 | Sports Marketing & Management Companies | Service Provider Contracts | Opportunities for students in Sports Media to train or intern. |
6/17 | Companies: Media, Content Production, Technology | Service Provider Contracts | Opportunities for students in Sports Media to train or intern. |
6/24 | Banks and Financial Institutions | Financial options for Building Projects Stadiums, Gymnasiums etc. | Sponsor and Judge the Sports Pitch |
7/1 | Corporate Support Brands Auto, Fashion, | 7% Contract Discussions | Career and Job opportunities |
7/8 | Sports: Health, Fitness, Insurance, Food | 7% Contract Discussions | Career and Job opportunities |
7/15 | Seniors and Veterans (Communities, Nursing Homes etc.) | Student Athletes giving-back and serving the senior community | |
7/22 | Healthcare Providers (Hospitals, Medical care and Pharmaceuticals) | Health Care Industry United to Serve Student Athletes | |
7/29 | Horry County Chambers of Commerce (all) | The Effects of Sports Tourism Sports Industry on the Grand Strand | |
8/5 | Myrtle Beach Economic Development Corporation | Myrtle |
SPORTS VERTICAL
The PC Network will Leverage all spending with all Sports-related companies and service providers. With the amount of money our area spend with these companies 7% is a small-ask to ensure our programs and future leaders are effectively funded.
The sports vertical is a diverse, multi-billion dollar ecosystem comprising professional leagues, equipment manufacturers, apparel brands, marketing agencies, media broadcasters, and facility management firms. It spans consumer products, fitness, live entertainment, and data analytics, often integrating production, marketing, and distribution.
Key Businesses and Segments in the Sports Vertical:
Health Care
Education
Food, Restaurant and Hospitality Industries
Transportation
Professional Leagues and Teams: Organizations managing sports leagues (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL).
Apparel and Equipment Manufacturing: Companies like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Lululemon, Under Armour, and ASICS.
Fitness and Health Clubs: Gyms, specialized training studios, and leisure centers.
Sports Infrastructure and Real Estate: Firms involved in developing and financing stadiums, arenas, and mixed-use entertainment zones.
Sports Marketing and Management: Agencies, sponsorship management, and athlete representation.
Media and Content Production: Broadcast networks and digital platforms that manage rights, streaming, and broadcasting of sports events.
Technology and Analytics: Companies providing data, software for ticketing, or fan engagement tools.
This vertical is increasingly defined by "vertical integration," where companies might own teams, the stadiums they play in, and the media networks that broadcast the games.
ATTENDEES
Sports Media
Retired and Current Professional Athletes
Local Event Sponsors
Local Teams, Coaches, Athletic Directors and Sports Program Leaders.
Sports Reporters and local, regional and national media outlets.
Local School Teachers, Educators, Mentors and Counselors.
Representatives from area: Colleges, Professional Teams and Associations
Major Sports Brands
P
To establish the relationships needed for the funding and services
OUR GOAL:
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