Grants for Non-Profit Children's Sporting Leagues

Non-profit youth sporting leagues and organizations often rely on funding from outside sources in order to operate their children's sports programs. Funding is available from various sports organizations and leagues for football, baseball, soccer, tennis, softball, and other sports programs. Groups should also check with area community and corporate foundations that provide funding to local groups and organizations.

  1. USA Football Equipment Grants

    • USA Football is a youth football development partner of the NFL. USA Football provides over $1 million in equipment grants annually to youth football leagues, as well as elementary, middle, and high schools across the United States. This organization provides around $1,000 in equipment to grant recipients; high schools may receive up to $1,500 in equipment. There is one deadline annually.

      USA Football
      8300 Boone Boulevard, Suite 625
      Vienna, Virginia 22182
      877-536-6822
      usafootball.com

    NFL Grassroots Field Grant Program

    • The NFL Grassroots Field Grant Program, sponsored by the NFL Youth Football Fund, awards grants to high schools and local youth football organizations in NFL viewing markets across the United States. There are two funding categories in the NFL Grassroots Grant Program. General field support grants are awarded for bleacher installation or repair, concession stands, lighting, and other expenses besides field repair or installation. The maximum grant awarded in this category is $50,000. Field surface grants provide up to $200,000 for field construction, repair or maintenance. There is one deadline annually for this grant program, but dates vary annually.

      NFL Youth Football Fund
      National Football League
      280 Park Avenue
      New York, NY 10017
      nflyff.org

    Baseball Tomorrow Fund Grant

    • Youth baseball and softball leagues and non-profit organizations can apply for funding through the MLB Baseball Tomorrow Fund. Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment, uniforms, field renovation or expansion, and construction. Funds may not be used for concession or grand stands, salaries, purchase of land, or general operating expenses. The average grant awarded through the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is around $39,000. A 50% match of funds is required for a grant application to be approved. Grants are awarded four times per year.

      Baseball Tomorrow Fund
      245 Park Avenue
      New York, NY 10167
      btf@mlb.com
      mlb.com

    U.S. Soccer Foundation Grants

    • The U.S. Soccer Foundation has three different grant programs annually for non-profit organizations and sports leagues, schools, universities, and colleges. Program grants are awarded in amounts up to $100,000 and may be used to purchase uniforms, player equipment, team equipment, travel costs, and fees for coaches and referees. Field grants are awarded in amounts up to $100,000 and may be used to purchase field equipment, futsal courts, graphic signage, irrigation, lighting and field maintenance. Synthetic field grants are awarded in amounts up to $200,000 and may be used for new synthetic field construction or existing synthetic field upgrading or maintenance. There is one deadline annually for all grant programs.

      U.S. Soccer Foundation
      1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW
      Suite 500
      Washington, DC 20036
      202-872-9277
      ussoccerfoundation.org