Overview

In communities across the nation, park and recreation agencies offer youth sport programs that provide benefits far beyond just physical activity. These programs improve physical health, facilitate social development and boost the confidence of young people — providing accessible athletic opportunities that contribute to a world where all kids have access to high-quality sports programs.

We know that equity plays a major role in who can – and who cannot – access youth sport. As one of the largest providers of out-of-school time programming in the nation, reaching more than 40 million youth each year, parks and recreation is uniquely situated to help close the play equity gap. To support agencies in this effort, NRPA is thrilled to announce a trio of innovative grant opportunities that will support transforming the sports landscape. These grants provide support to park and recreation agencies to implement activities from NRPA’s Youth Sports Equity Framework, which outlines key pathways for advancing equitable access to youth sport.

NRPA looks forward to working with agencies to break down barriers to sport and open doors for all young people. How can your agency leverage these resources to not only enhance your sports offerings but also to become a catalyst for broader social change in your community?

Opportunities at a Glance

Grant Name Supported By Award Details Number of Recipients Project Period Focus Area
Youth Sport Equity Grant Program Musco Lighting

$20,000 + in-kind donation of Musco Lighting infrastructure

 5 January - October 2025

Centering equity in park and recreation youth sport systems, specifically for youth of color, girls, LGBTQIA+ youth, low-income youth, and/or youth with disabilities
Million Coaches Challenge Grant Program 

Susan Crown Exchange + ESPN

Access to no-cost coach training (funding available in some cases)

 52 January - December 2025 Leveraging coach training as a mechanism to improve the sports experience and increase participation

Gender Equity in Youth Sport Community of Practice

 Nike $20,000 + participation in community of practice 10 January - August 2025 Increasing girls' participation in sports programs/women’s representation in the coaching pipeline

Opportunities in Detail

We invite local government agencies and affiliated 501(c)(3) non-profits that are engaged with parks and recreation to apply.

Youth Sport Equity Grant Program

Powered by Musco Lighting, this grant program provides funding to local park and recreation agencies to increase opportunities for physical activity that are inclusive and welcoming to all, specifically for youth underrepresented in sport. Agencies receive $20,000 to put toward a youth sport equity project (innovative ideas welcome!) plus an in-kind donation of Musco Lighting infrastructure such as lighting or a mini pitch. Read more about the 2023 and 2024 projects, then apply here.

Million Coaches Challenge Grant

Developed by Susan Crown Exchange, the Million Coaches Challenge (MCC) provides no-cost training to youth-serving professionals in parks and recreation so staff and volunteers have the skills to support positive youth development. Coaches trained in youth development are proven to improve the sports experience, resulting in increased participation. Training partners include the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport, Nike in partnership with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Positive Coaching Alliance and United States Soccer Foundation. ESPN has also signed on to increase the impact of NRPA’s MCC grant program. Read more about this opportunity here and apply here.

Gender Equity in Youth Sport Community of Practice

Powered by Nike, the goal of the community of practice (CoP) is to test and pilot activities that increase access to sports for girls. Participating agencies receive $20,000 to implement a gender equity project plus commit to participating in an NRPA-led CoP, which provides education and networking opportunities related to advancing gender equity in sport. In addition to increasing girls’ participation in programs, the CoP also will collectively advance strategies to increase the representation of women coaches. Apply here.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: November 8, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PDT
  • Informational Webinar: October 22, 2024, at 1 p.m. EDT
  • Award Notifications: on or before December 20, 2024
  • Project Start: January 2025

Informational Webinar

Learn more about each opportunity and ask questions at an informational webinar on October 22, 2024, at 1 p.m. EDT. Interested applicants can register for the webinar here.

Have Questions?

Please email youthsports@nrpa.org.

These grant opportunities represent a significant investment in the future of our communities and the well-being of our youth. By supporting park and recreation agencies in creating more equitable youth sport experiences, we can ensure that all young people have the opportunity to benefit from the physical, mental, and social advantages of sports participation.

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