NBA Foundation Grants

NBA Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Basketball Association Foundation
Amount: More than US $25,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.

Overview

About The NBA Foundation invests in programs, partnerships and making grants to local and national organizations that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement. Mission Our mission is to drive economic opportunity for under-resourced youth, ages 14-24, by funding programs that generate successful transitions from school to meaningful employment with priority being given to organizations operating in NBA team markets. The NBA Foundation will accomplish its mission by investing in programs and partnerships with and making grants to local and national organizations that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement. NBA Foundation Grants NBA Foundation grants are designed to spark meaningful change by investing in nonprofit partners that support workforce development and career readiness. These grants fund defined projects that equip young people with the tools, training, and opportunities they need to thrive professionally. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to economic empowerment and social mobility. By addressing employment disparities and expanding access to career pathways, the NBA Foundation is helping young people in NBA team markets build brighter futures.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. In order to be considered for a grant from the NBA Foundation, your organization must meet the following requirements: Be a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or a T3010 if operating in CanadaHave a current IRS Form 990 or Form 990 or Form 990-EZ from the most recent fiscal yearFocus on promoting school-to-career employment opportunities targeting under resourced youth ages 14-24 years old in a market with an NBA teamServe a minimum of 25 youth annually across your programsSubmit an organizational budget, program budget, and list of board members

Ineligibility

In general, and except in specific circumstances, the NBA Foundation does not fund: Projects or programs primarily focused on serving adults over the age of 25Projects or programing that fall outside the scope of youth employment and school-to-career opportunitiesOrganization outside of the 28 markets. Full list of NBA markets can be found hereDirection donations or grants to individuals, including universities and research labsIndividual scholarships or sponsorships, including one-time events such as galas, competitions, conferences, and career fairsPolitical campaigns and lobbying effortsHospitalsSchool-run after school Pre-K programs