Matt Zavala helped people without ever being asked, and without expecting anything back. A devoted father and husband, a baseball coach, a softball player, a construction business owner, and the friend who showed up when life got hard.
When we lost him, we made a promise: to keep his hand extended to the people who need it most. That promise is the Matty Z Foundation — supporting individuals and families across the Coachella Valley facing life's hardest moments, and investing in local students chasing their futures.
Matt couldn't say no to someone in need.
Now, with your support, neither can we.
What we do
No red tape, no judgment — just a hand when it's needed most, in the three ways Matt gave his.
A man who couldn't say no to someone in need.
Father. Husband. Son. Brother. Friend. Softball player, baseball coach, off-roader, and the owner of a construction business who built more than houses.
The Matty Z Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in honor of Matt Zavala, who tragically passed away in 2022 at the age of 44. Matt was an extraordinary father, devoted husband, beloved son, brother, and friend, and a deeply valued member of his community.
Whether as a softball player, baseball coach, business owner, or outdoor enthusiast, he lived with passion and purpose. Above all, Matt was known for his generous heart — always willing to help others without expecting anything in return.
The promise
Inspired by his unwavering compassion and calm, welcoming spirit, we created this foundation to carry his legacy forward. Guided by the belief that "Legends Live Forever," the Matty Z Foundation has provided more than $50,000 in support to individuals and families facing hardship. We offer financial assistance for life's most difficult moments, including the loss of a loved one, medical expenses, utility bills, youth sports participation, and college scholarships.
The mission today
Today's mission is simple yet profound: to stand beside children, teens, parents, and community members during times of crisis and help them move toward healing and hope. Having experienced firsthand the impact of tragedy, we are deeply committed to easing burdens and restoring strength.
Mission Statement
"The Matty Z Foundation endeavors to relieve the burdens of those in need in our communities. We strive to carry on the legacy of its namesake, Matt Zavala, by honoring his life of selflessness and service to others."
Current board
The friends and family who keep Matt's hand extended today.
Founding board members
Following the devastating passing of its namesake, Matt Zavala, the founding members of the Matty Z Foundation initially came together with a singular, urgent focus: to support and raise funds for the family he left behind. As they united in their shared grief and love for Matt, they quickly realized that his impact reached far beyond a single moment in time. Driven by a desire to honor his memory, the group pivoted from immediate relief to building something enduring: a living legacy that captures the very essence of who Matt was. Through the official creation of the foundation, they ensured that his remarkably generous, compassionate, and giving spirit would continue to thrive — actively uplifting and strengthening our community for years to come.
Legacy board members
With gratitude for their years of service.
Real, direct support — without the red tape.
Matt Zavala never asked what someone could do for him — he asked what he could do for them. When life knocks a family down, we step in so they can focus on healing instead of bills. No judgment, just a hand when it's needed most.
We honor Matt by investing in local students chasing their futures.
Our scholars
Every recipient, every year — powerful proof of impact.
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Open to local Coachella Valley high-school seniors. Tell us about your goals and how this scholarship helps you get there.
- Local high-school senior [confirm criteria]
- Short essay + one reference
- Deadline [confirm date]
Our foundation will be in touch.
Please don't lose hope — we have been where you are.
See if we can help
Tell us a little about yourself and what you're facing. Everything you share stays private with our board.
If you or someone you know is facing a hard time, we're here.
Every request is handled with care and confidentiality. There's no judgment and no red tape — just people who want to help.
Your request is in.
Someone from the family will review it and reach out to you privately. You don't have to face this alone.
What happens next
"You don't have to know how to ask. Just reach out — we'll take it from there."
Fun-filled days of friendly competition — all for a great cause.
Our tournaments are the engine that funds everything. Come play, sponsor a hole, or lend a hand.
From past years
Drop 3–4 photos per event · use the ⤢ button to enlarge any photo · scroll or use the arrows to browse.
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Pick up where Matt left off.
Three ways to keep a legend's hand extended — give, sponsor, or show up.
Donate
Give once or join the Legends Circle monthly. Every dollar goes to a neighbor in need.
Sponsor
Local businesses power our tournaments. Clear tiers, real visibility, fully tax-deductible.
Volunteer
Lend a few hours at an event. Many hands make Matt's mission possible.
Because you give, a family doesn't face it alone.
Join the Legends Circle
A small monthly gift is the most powerful thing you can do — steady support the family can count on all year long.
More ways to give
- In memory / in honor — dedicate your gift to someone you love.
- Employer match — many companies double your gift. Ask us how.
- Zelle & Venmo — prefer to send directly? Those still work too.
Matty Z Foundation is a 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN 88-3581402. A receipt is sent automatically.
Put your business behind a legend.
Construction, sports, and the off-road community Matt was part of are our warmest partners. Here's what you get for what you give — and every sponsorship is tax-deductible.
Need a one-pager to share internally?
Download the sponsorship packet to circulate with your team. [PDF placeholder]
Tier names and price points are a starting scaffold — to be confirmed with the family.
A few hours of your time goes a long way.
Welcome to the crew!
We'll be in touch before the next event with details. Thank you for showing up.
Where we need hands
Proof that legends live forever.
Let's talk.
Questions, sponsorships, or just want to share a memory of Matt? We'd love to hear from you.
Message sent.
We'll get back to you soon. Thank you for reaching out.
Palm Desert, CA 92255
Matty Z Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN 88-3581402.
