Best Youth Sports Grants in New York

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The New Era Cap Foundation offers event sponsorships to nonprofit organizations, particularly those aligned with its five primary pillars: Cancer Care, Veterans Support, Women Empowerment, Youth Sports, and Arts & Education. The foundation focuses on initiatives in Western New York and regions where New Era Cap operates. Eligible organizations must be recognized 501(c)(3) public charities. However, requests from religious organizations, political entities, individuals, and certain other groups are not accepted.

The New Era Cap Foundation Impact Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in Western New York and beyond, focusing on five key areas: Cancer Patient & Family Care, Veterans & First Responders, Women Empowerment, Youth Sports, and Arts & Education. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) charities, while religious organizations for non-secular purposes and individual youth sports teams are ineligible. This initiative encourages impactful community engagement and fosters positive change.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - New York

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The NRA Foundation State Fund Grant in New York supports initiatives that enhance firearms education, promote safety in shooting sports, and encourage responsible firearms use. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits. The grant aims to provide financial assistance for projects that align with the Foundation's mission and foster public benefit. Organizations not recognized as nonprofits or governmental agencies must demonstrate equivalent public benefit to qualify for funding.

The NRA Foundation provides funding through its State Fund Grant Program to support local groups focused on shooting sports, education, and community outreach. Grants aim to benefit youth, women, veterans, and law enforcement, requiring applicants to have a valid EIN and meet specific eligibility criteria. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over 60,000 grants totaling more than $473 million, ensuring that funds are used for charitable purposes as defined by the IRS.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Mid-York Foundation Grant aims to support start-up and supplemental funding for social and healthcare projects in Central New York. Established in response to a healthcare provider shortage, the Foundation has been instrumental in funding community programs, emergency services, and educational initiatives since 1990. Eligible applicants must provide proof of their non-profit status, while the Foundation does not fund operating expenses or grant requests in consecutive years.

The Live Like Luca Grants aim to provide children in Western New York with opportunities in sports and education, aligning with Luca's vision. The Luca S. Calanni Foundation has awarded over $280,000 to various organizations, ensuring children can fully engage in sports, arts, and other enriching activities. Grants will cover costs that inhibit youth participation, primarily targeting registered 501(c)(3) charities serving youth aged 3-18 in the region.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Caregivers supports underserved caregivers, including family and paid professionals, in Western New York. Established by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the initiative aims to enhance resources such as transportation assistance and training opportunities. The foundation prioritizes grants that foster impactful support for older adults, ensuring that local organizations can effectively address community needs and innovate sustainable solutions for caregivers.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds aim to support cultural and historic assets and enhance long-term arts education for youth, particularly in under-resourced communities. Managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, these grants focus on localized projects that align with Mr. Wilson's vision for impactful change. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Erie County, with a preference for initiatives that restore significant historic sites or increase access to arts instruction for children.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Design and Access Grant aims to enhance community access to spaces and programs supporting healthy living in Western New York. Managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, this grant focuses on projects that improve walkability, bikeability, and the overall recreational landscape. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for funding to support pre-planning, development, or construction costs, fostering sustainable community enhancements.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds offer grants to support youth sports initiatives in Western New York, focusing on increasing children's participation in sports. The foundation encourages community-driven projects that prioritize children's interests and promote active lifestyles. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that aim to address objectives such as revitalizing local leagues and training coaches. These grants reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.'s commitment to long-lasting community impact and innovation in youth sports.

The Project Play WNY Summer Free Play Series Grant aims to provide children in all eight counties of Western New York with access to fun and engaging physical activities. Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, this initiative seeks to foster community engagement by ensuring that youth, particularly those aged 5-14, can participate in enriching play experiences, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Built to Play Skatepark Grants, funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation, aim to support the creation of free, public skateparks in low-income communities across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With grants up to $250,000, the program emphasizes community involvement, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. It prioritizes projects designed by experienced contractors that engage local skaters in leadership roles. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and combating childhood obesity through active play.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Heisman Trophy Youth Development Fund, established by the Heisman Trophy Trust in 2017, supports nonprofits in New York City and surrounding areas that promote athletics, academics, and youth development for individuals up to 18 years old. The Fund aims to engage youth in academic pursuits, teach leadership and teamwork, and ensure sports opportunities are accessible to all. Grants range from $20,000 to $40,000 for one year, inviting organizations that align with these objectives.

About City Parks Foundation

At City Parks Foundation (CPF), we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs — located in more than 330 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City — reach nearly 300,000 people each year.

Our ethos is simple: thriving parks mean thriving communities.

Treetops Grants Program

The NYC Green Fund Treetops Grant Program provides funding for organizations with annual operating budgets between $175,000 and $2.5 million that program, steward, and advocate for parks and open spaces across NYC’s five boroughs. Treetops supports a range of projects, including open space stewardship, environmental action, organizational development, health and wellness, youth engagement, arts and culture, and urban tree care and planting.

Organizations may be awarded one- or two-year grants of up to $50,000 annually. New projects selected in 2024 received an average grant award of $15,818, and the largest grant awarded was $35,000. Please review the Application Eligibility and Funding Limits and Types of Expenses sections below to confirm eligibility.