Youth Sports Grant - Host Funding

The Youth Sports Grant - Host Funding provides up to $25,000 to support nonprofessional youth sports teams and events in North Carolina. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funds can be used for attracting various sporting events and programs. Eligible applicants include city, county, and local school units or 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The application process will soon transition to an online portal, ensuring a streamlined submission experience for future applicants.

NOTE:
There is no application deadline, Youth Sports Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are awarded throughout the year, as funds allow.Host funding has been fully awarded for this fiscal year. Please check back July 1st, 2026 to apply for Fiscal Year 2027
Youth Sports Grants are our newest grant offering providing funding for nonprofessional youth sports teams and events.
Up to $25,000 to attract State, regional, area, and national sporting events, tournaments, and programs for nonprofessional sporting participants in programs administered by city, county, and local school administrative units, or appropriate 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations. Host funding requests may include bid/event rights fees and costs for sports equipment, venues, administration, structures (permanent and temporary), marketing, etc.
The county cap does not apply to host funding requests.

Eligibility

Applicants must qualify as either a North Carolina city, county, or local school administrative unit or nonprofit organization as follows:North Carolina City/County Government Unit or Pre-K-12 School: A city/county administrative unit (e.g., parks and recreation departments) or Pre-K-12 public, private, or charter school (including preschools, elementary, middle, and secondary schools) based in North Carolina.Nonprofit Organization:A nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must have the ability to adopt the Commission’s branding as part of their grant; this includes promoting the Commission as a sponsor in any marketing materials.Other Applicants:Organizations that do not meet the eligibility requirements of category A or B may still apply if they are working in partnership with an eligible party.For example: Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Sports Commissions, Local Organizing Committees, and Parent Teacher Associations, etc. may apply on behalf of an eligible organization if they are working in partnership and the application is signed by both parties. Any staff member of a city/county government unit, Pre-K-12 school, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization may apply for a Youth Sports Grant.Applicants seeking travel funding are eligible to receive one Youth Sports Grant per sporting team/group per year.