Player Matching Grant Program

The NBPA Foundation's primary grant program that provides funding to eligible organizations aligned with the Foundation's funding pillars. Organizations must receive financial support from an eligible NBPA member (active or retired NBA player) within the previous 12 months to qualify.

Geographic Scope

• US-based organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• International organizations may be eligible based on criteria set by NBPA Foundation's fiscal intermediaries/partners

Eligibility Requirements

• 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status: Required for US-based organizations; must be in good standing with the IRS for at least one year
• Fiscal Sponsor: If applicable, sponsor must also meet 501(c)(3) requirements and be in good standing
• Player Support: Organization must receive financial support from an eligible NBPA member (active or retired NBA player) within the previous 12 months
• Funding Pillars: Project must align with at least one of the NBPAF Funding Pillars:
  • Community Support
  • Player Education
  • Disaster Relief
  • Legacy
  • Youth Sports
• Player-Founded Nonprofits: Eligible if they meet all criteria above
• Player Eligibility: Determined by player's contract status or years of service; can be confirmed upon submission of interest form

Funding Limitations - The NBPA Foundation Does NOT Fund:

• Reimbursement of expenses related to programs, events, etc.
• Individuals for personal purposes (scholarships, stipends, fellowships, personal assistance, etc.)
• More than 30% of an organization's annual income
• Professional sports teams and their foundations/charitable arms (including game tickets, memorabilia, sponsorship of related events)
• For-profit ventures
• Religious groups
• Production of fundraisers
• Capital campaigns, endowment funds, or memorials
• Bricks and mortar, capital projects, or purchase of capital equipment (exception: basketball court renovations are eligible)
• Lobbying, political, or fraternal activities
• Conferences or symposia not connected to current NBPA Foundation grants
• Concerts, theater or media performances, or art exhibitions not connected to current NBPA Foundation grants
• Endowments and related funds for public and private colleges and universities
• Operating expenses and ongoing services of public or voluntary hospitals
• Awards that require the NBPA, its members, or employees to raise additional monies on behalf of the organization

Application Schedule

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis with a rolling-quarterly schedule
• Specific deadlines and award notification timelines are available on the Foundation website
• Schedule subject to change

Contact Information

• Email: foundation@nbpa.com
• Note: The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grants or sponsorship requests

Additional Resources

• Grant FAQs available at nbpafoundation.com
• Grant Orientation workshops highly recommended before applying

Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify your organization meets all eligibility requirements
• Review application FAQs at nbpafoundation.com

Step 2: Complete Grant Interest Form

• Submit the Grant Interest Form
• A Foundation team member will reach out to discuss the process and application requirements

Step 3: Attend Grant Orientation (Highly Recommended)

• Attend a Grant Orientation workshop
• During orientation:
  • Guidelines and requirements will be discussed in detail
  • Application process will be explained
  • You will be asked to verify nonprofit status by submitting your organization's W9

Step 4: Submit Full Application

• Following orientation, you will receive an email invitation from the grant portal
• Submit a fully completed application including all required documents
• No additional information should be requested at time of submission
• Applications evaluated based on:
  • Strength of the application
  • Operations of the recipient organization

Step 5: Final Decision

• NBPA Foundation Team reviews application and provides funding recommendation to Board
• Board makes final decision
• Applicant notified of Board's decision via email
• Note: The Foundation, its board, and sponsoring NBPA member reserve the right to adjust the awarded grant amount

Required Materials

• Organization's W9 (to verify nonprofit status)
• All documents required by the interest form and orientation

Important Notes on Submission

• Applications not formally submitted in the portal will not be considered
• Applicants receive an automated email confirming submission
• Any additional questions or requests from Foundation will be communicated via email and portal
• Award notifications sent via email
• Application must be fully completed with no missing documents or requests for additional information