2026 Funds for NGOs Proposal Invited for Game On Community Places to Play Initiative Grants ranging from $50000 to $100000 in United States of America (USA), The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation/LISC Game On – Community Places to Play Initiative is a grant programme that supports the development and revitalisation of multi-purpose youth sports facilities in underserved communities throughout the United States. Backed by The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, with programme management and technical support from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the initiative focuses on expanding safe, accessible, and high-quality recreational spaces for young people aged 6 to 24 years.

The programme provides financial assistance for both indoor and outdoor sports facilities that encourage regular community use and accommodate organised youth sports. Eligible facilities may support activities such as basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, and other youth sporting programmes.

Grants are available to non-profit community-based organisations, as well as schools and local parks and recreation departments that partner with eligible non-profit organisations. To qualify, applicants must either be organisations recognised as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or elementary, middle, or high schools that hold applicable state tax-exempt status.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 15^th August 2026

2026 Funds for NGOs Proposal Invited for Game On Community Places to Play Initiative Grants Funding Information

The Game On – Community Places to Play Initiative offers grant funding ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to help cover the costs of constructing new or renovating existing sports courts and athletic fields primarily used for organised youth sports. Funding is intended to create or improve community sports facilities that provide young people with safe and accessible places to participate in athletic activities.

Grants will be awarded to projects in communities across the United States based on factors such as demonstrated need and the anticipated positive impact on local residents. Preference will be given to applications that clearly show how the proposed facility will be integrated with youth development programmes.

Strong proposals should outline initiatives that go beyond sports by offering activities such as life skills training, leadership and civic engagement opportunities, workforce development, academic support, and other programmes that contribute to the overall growth and well-being of young people.

2026 Funds for NGOs Proposal Invited for Game On Community Places to Play Initiative Grants Organizational Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Game On – Community Places to Play Initiative, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a non-profit community-based organisation or an elementary, middle, or high school serving predominantly low- and moderate-income communities.
• Schools must ensure the sports facility will also be accessible to the local community. Colleges and universities are not eligible.
• Employ at least one full-time staff member (volunteer-only organisations are ineligible).
• Have been operating for at least three years.
• Demonstrate experience in real estate development, park improvements, or youth recreation programmes.
• Hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or an equivalent school tax exemption.
• Be located within one of the U.S. states (U.S. territories are not eligible).

2026 Funds for NGOs Proposal Invited for Game On Community Places to Play Initiative Grants Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Project Feasibility: A realistic budget supported by contractor estimates where possible.
• Project Readiness: Clear funding sources, implementation timeline, and project planning.
• Community Impact: Benefits to low- and moderate-income neighbourhoods, expected youth participation, projected increase in facility use, and community support through partnership letters or joint-use agreements.
• Matching Funds: A minimum 1:1 local funding match is required, although higher matching contributions will strengthen the application.
• Maintenance & Safety: A detailed maintenance plan with funding commitments covering at least three years. Grant funds are reserved for capital improvements and cannot be used for routine maintenance.
• Organisational Capacity: Evidence that the applicant and its partners have the expertise and management capability to successfully deliver and oversee the project.

Why This Grant Opportunity Is Important

The Game On – Community Places to Play Initiative is more than a sports infrastructure grant—it helps communities create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can stay active, build life skills, and access positive development opportunities. Here’s why this funding matters:

• Improves Community Sports Infrastructure: Supports the construction or renovation of indoor and outdoor sports facilities in underserved communities.
• Promotes Youth Development: Encourages projects that combine sports with leadership, academic support, workforce readiness, and life skills programmes.
• Expands Access to Recreation: Creates safe and accessible spaces for children and young adults aged 6–24 to participate in organised sports.
• Strengthens Community Partnerships: Rewards collaboration between non-profits, schools, parks departments, and local youth organisations.
• Creates Long-Term Impact: Requires sustainable maintenance plans, ensuring facilities continue benefiting communities for years to come.

Tips for a Successful Proposal

• Demonstrate Strong Community Need: Clearly explain why the proposed facility is needed and how it will benefit underserved youth.
• Present a Realistic Project Plan: Include a detailed timeline, accurate budget, and contractor estimates wherever possible.
• Highlight Youth Development Activities: Show how the facility will support programmes such as mentoring, life skills training, leadership, academic assistance, or workforce development.
• Secure Matching Funds Early: Meet the mandatory 1:1 funding match and, if possible, exceed it to strengthen your application.
• Show Community Support: Include letters of support, partnership agreements, and evidence of demand from schools, youth groups, and community organisations.
• Provide a Maintenance Strategy: Outline how the facility will be maintained for at least three years after project completion.
• Emphasise Organisational Experience: Showcase previous projects, staff expertise, and your ability to successfully manage capital improvement projects.

How to apply?

Application Procedure

Organisations interested in the Game On – Community Places to Play Initiative must submit their funding request by email. The application should include a scanned copy of the required documents listed below.

The submission must contain a one-page cover sheet providing the following details:

• Name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and fax number of the applicant organisation.
• Name of the Executive Director along with the primary contact person for the application, if different.
• A concise overview of the proposed project, highlighting its purpose and expected impact.
• The total grant amount being requested under the programme.

Applicants should ensure that all information is complete, accurate, and clearly presented before submitting their application.

Proposals should be emailed to Sportsandyouthdevelopment@lisc.org

Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below

Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organisations, elementary, middle, and high schools serving low- and moderate-income communities within the U.S. states.

2. How much funding is available?

Grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 for the construction or renovation of youth sports facilities.

3. Is matching funding required?

Yes. Applicants must provide a minimum 1:1 local funding match, although higher matching contributions can improve the competitiveness of the proposal.

4. What types of projects are funded?

The programme supports the construction or refurbishment of indoor and outdoor sports courts and athletic fields used primarily for organised youth sports.

5. What factors make an application competitive?

Competitive proposals clearly demonstrate community need, project readiness, sustainable maintenance plans, strong partnerships, measurable youth impact, and integration of youth development programmes alongside sports activities.

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