Grants for athletic equipment assist youth programs and developmentally disabled groups in bringing the joy of partaking in sporting activities to their organization's members. Funding sources include professional or college level sports programs, governmental committees and organizations, civic organizations and faith-based groups. Monetary award values vary by sponsoring agency. Increasing both the number of participants and amount of equipment available to existing athletes is the focus of granting agencies.
Kiwanis Club
Civic organizations such as the Kiwanis Club often provide small grants or donations to local groups to provide athletic equipment to underserved populations. Both formal grant programs and letters of request for donations to local clubs are acceptable forms for requesting funds. A formal written request for reusable items such as baseballs would likely be accepted. Small monetary requests to sponsor an individual child or group of children with financial need are handled on the local level and subject to available club funds. The primary goal of the Kiwanis Club International is to enhance positive activities in a community with a strong focus on youth development.
Kiwanis Club International
3636 Woodview Trace
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(800) 549-2647
Kiwanis.org
USA Football League
Players from the National Football League (NFL) work to aid youth and school sports teams gain access to athletic equipment through USA Football. This organization offers funds to fill a void in youth athletic programs for the benefit of increased participation and safety. Buying flags for a youth football league with a tight budget is an example of recently funded projects. Providing funds for equipment and safety gear, which a sports program can use repeatedly, is the top priority of the USA Football organization.
USA Football
8300 Boone Blvd.
Vienna, VA 22182
(877) 536-6822
usafootball.com
Community Development Block Grant
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant program funds are awarded annually on a competitive basis for projects that increase the opportunities and quality of life in a community. Grant requests for facility maintenance, equipment and seating areas for programs, which serve youth in an impoverished area, are commonly accepted by this governmental funding source.
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh St. SW
Washington, DC 20410
(202) 708-1122
hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/stateadmin/
Good Sports
The Good Sports nonprofit organization provides funding for athletic equipment and resources to organizations and schools that serve children 5 to 18 years old. Projects that aid children in a disadvantaged area receive top priority. Supplying equipment, uniforms and athletic shoes to aid programs offering organized activities that promote a safe and active lifestyle is the primary goal of this foundation. Encouraging youth who might otherwise shy away from joining because of a lack of funds to participate in athletics is the mission, which is achieved by funding equipment and uniform purchases. The level of need for these funds is what guides the decision-making process during grant requests.
Good Sports
1515 Hancock Street
Suite 301
Quincy, MA 02169
617-471-1213
Goodsports.org
