Communities thrive when young people have access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality spaces where they can learn, grow, build friendships, and participate in sports. Unfortunately, many neighborhoods across the United States continue to face significant challenges due to aging athletic facilities, inadequate recreational infrastructure, and limited investment in youth development spaces. These challenges often reduce opportunities for children and teenagers to engage in organized sports, physical activity, and healthy community interactions. To address this need, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), has launched the Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative. This impactful grant program is designed to support community-rooted organizations working to renovate or create safe, accessible, and inclusive youth sports facilities in underserved communities throughout the United States. Through this initiative, eligible organizations can receive grant funding ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, along with valuable technical assistance to help successfully implement renovation projects that will benefit local youth for years to come.

If your organization is committed to expanding access to quality sports and recreational spaces for young people, this funding opportunity provides the financial support needed to make lasting improvements in your community.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2026

About the Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative

The Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative is part of the broader Game On program, a collaborative effort between The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and LISC to improve recreational opportunities for children and youth across America.

Recognizing the critical role that sports play in promoting physical health, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and community engagement, the initiative focuses on ensuring that every child—regardless of where they live—has access to safe and well-maintained athletic facilities.

Rather than simply funding construction projects, the program supports organizations deeply rooted in their communities that understand local needs and are committed to creating long-term positive impact through youth sports.

In addition to financial support, selected organizations receive technical assistance to strengthen project planning, implementation, and long-term sustainability.

Grant Overview

Purpose of the Initiative

The primary goal of the initiative is to improve the:

• Quality of community athletic facilities
• Safety of youth sports environments
• Accessibility of recreational spaces
• Availability of sports infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods
• Opportunities for organized youth sports participation

The program seeks to remove barriers that prevent young people from participating in sports by investing in facilities that are welcoming, functional, and accessible to the entire community.

What the Grant Supports

Funding is available for projects that create or renovate multi-use indoor and outdoor youth sports facilities.

Projects may include improvements to facilities used for:

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Softball
• Soccer
• Football
• Tennis
• Lacrosse
• Volleyball
• Other organized youth sports

Eligible projects should demonstrate that the facility will be actively used by local youth and remain accessible to the broader community.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive grants ranging from:

• $50,000
• Up to $100,000

A key requirement of the program is that applicants provide a 1:1 funding match.

For example:

• A $50,000 grant requires a $50,000 match.
• A $100,000 grant requires a $100,000 match.

Matching funds demonstrate organizational commitment and help maximize the impact of the investment.

Technical Assistance

Beyond financial support, selected organizations receive technical assistance designed to strengthen project implementation.

Support may help organizations with:

• Project planning
• Facility development
• Community engagement
• Long-term sustainability
• Project management
• Best practices for successful implementation

This additional support helps ensure funded projects create meaningful and lasting benefits.

Eligible Projects

Projects should focus on:

1. Renovating existing athletic facilities.
2. Creating new multi-use sports spaces.
3. Improving safety and accessibility.
4. Expanding community access.
5. Supporting organized youth sports participation.

Facilities should encourage regular community use and provide opportunities for children and youth from diverse backgrounds.

Who Can Apply?

The initiative welcomes applications from organizations that are deeply connected to the communities they serve.

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit community-based organizations.
• Youth-serving non-profit organizations.
• Community development organizations.
• Schools working in partnership with local non-profit organizations.
• Local parks and recreation departments collaborating with non-profit partners.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following organizations are not eligible:

• Universities.
• Colleges.
• College campuses.
• Organizations that do not meet the non-profit eligibility requirements.
• Projects located outside the United States.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a registered non-profit organization.
• Lead a youth sports facility renovation or creation project.
• Serve low-to-moderate income communities.
• Demonstrate meaningful community access to the facility.
• Support organized youth sports.
• Provide a required 1:1 funding match.
• Meet all requirements outlined in the Request for Proposals.

Selection Considerations

Although complete evaluation criteria are outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP), successful applications are expected to demonstrate:

• Strong community impact.
• Organizational capacity.
• Sustainable project planning.
• Commitment to youth development.
• Broad community access.
• Safe and inclusive facility design.
• Effective partnerships.
• Readiness to implement the project.

Benefits of the Grant

Organizations selected under the initiative will benefit from:

Financial Support

• Grants between $50,000 and $100,000.
• Funding for facility renovation or development.
• Support for long-term community infrastructure improvements.

Organizational Growth

Recipients will gain:

• Technical assistance from experienced professionals.
• Increased organizational capacity.
• Stronger community partnerships.
• Greater visibility within the community.

Community Impact

Funded projects can:

• Expand youth sports opportunities.
• Improve public recreational infrastructure.
• Increase physical activity among children.
• Promote healthier lifestyles.
• Foster teamwork, leadership, and inclusion.
• Create safer environments for youth engagement.

Why Organizations Should Apply

Many communities lack safe and modern athletic spaces where young people can participate in sports and build lifelong skills.

The Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative offers organizations the opportunity to transform outdated facilities into vibrant community assets that support youth development, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen neighborhoods.

For organizations already committed to serving young people, this grant can significantly accelerate facility improvements while creating lasting social impact.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should carefully review the official Request for Proposals (RFP) before beginning their application.

Applicants should ensure they:

1. Confirm organizational eligibility.
2. Review all selection criteria.
3. Prepare documentation demonstrating community need and project readiness.
4. Secure the required matching funds.
5. Complete and submit the application before the deadline.

Apply via email here: Sportsandyouthdevelopment@lisc.org

For more information about this application click HERE

 

Conclusion

The Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative 2026 represents an outstanding funding opportunity for community-based organizations dedicated to improving youth sports infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods across the United States. By combining grants of up to $100,000 with technical assistance, the initiative empowers local organizations to create safe, accessible, and inclusive athletic spaces where young people can thrive. Whether renovating an aging basketball court, upgrading a community soccer field, or developing a new multi-use sports facility, this program provides the resources needed to create lasting community impact. Eligible organizations serving low-to-moderate income communities should take advantage of this opportunity by preparing a strong proposal and submitting their application before the August 15, 2026 deadline.

For more GLOBAL GRANTS click HERE