Grant Opportunity

Funding Opportunity for Metro Atlanta, New Orleans, New York City, and Los Angeles

created: Thursday, September 7, 2023

The Opportunity

Laureus USA is pleased to announce funding opportunities for sport for development organizations operating in Atlanta, New Orleans, New York City, and Los Angeles. 

All applications will be considered based on the specific proposal for this grant cycle, which will run from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.  Organizations must propose funding for programming that will happen regardless of being awarded the grant, as payments will not be processed until late January 2024.  Reports will be expected on Laureus’ typical reporting cycle- midterms due August 1, 2024, and annuals due February 1, 2025. 

About Laureus USA
Laureus USA’s mission is to improve the lives of youth and unite communities through the power of sport. We are a part of the global network of Laureus Foundations that uses the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and inequality for children, young people and their communities.

 

Who We Fund 

Laureus USA funds non-profit sport for development organizations that intentionally address a particular and relevant social issue facing youth while increasing physical activity and enhancing social-emotional development. Laureus USA will fund organizations using sport to create impact in one or more of the following social focus areas: 

  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Education
  • Gender Equity
  • Employability
  • Inclusion
  • Peace Building

Learn about our social focus areas in depth here. 

Eligibility

Organizations must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding: 

  • Have an active 501(c)3 status and EIN # 
  • Provide direct-service sports programming for youth 
  • Operate in, serving youth from, or planning to serve youth in one of the following locations: New Orleans, Metro Atlanta, New York City, or Los Angeles 

 Organizations that meet the following criteria will be prioritized for funding: 

  • Intentionally prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruiting, hiring, and engaging program staff/ participants 
  • Work primarily with underserved and marginalized youth 
  • Demonstrate a sustainable organizational structure 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to learning, leadership and resource development in the field of sport for development   

Successful applicants will: 

  • Highlight primary and secondary social focus areas and commit to measuring impact aligned with the Laureus Sport for Good Global GOAL Framework  
  • Deliver intentional programming attuned to local needs and in partnership with local stakeholders 
  • Demonstrate basic standards in the areas of child protection, governance, monitoring and evaluation, partnership, and financial stewardship  
  • Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across internal practices (leadership, staffing, and governance) as well as in programming and community engagement  
  • Have the opportunity to implement Algorhythm’s Hello Insight platform to measure social emotional learning in program participants free of charge 

How Long and How Much we Fund 

Laureus USA will make one-year general operating grants to local organizations. Grants are available in the range of $15,000 to $25,000. Preference will be given to applications that propose efficient and optimal use of their budget.  

 

Our Process- Application Link

Organizations interested in applying for funding should complete an online Application linked here.

Please review the guidance notes here. 

All successful applicants will be expected to: 

  • Submit bi-annual reports using the Laureus USA reporting template 
  • Commit to site visits once annually for program observation 

 

Our Timeline  

Application Process Opens – September 7th  

Application Review Webinar – September 18th 12-1:30pm EST  

(Recording available – Passcode: 7J*i$dUT)

Full Applications Due – October 2nd by 5pm EST 

Notification of Awards – January 2024 

Questions? Please contact Sara McLaughlin at sara.mclaughlin@laureus.com. 

 

 

What We Do Not Fund 

  • Organizations that do not emphasize positive youth development through their programming 
  • Other foundations or intermediaries that do not provide direct sports-based youth development programming to youth 
  • Pay to play organizations such as for-profit youth sports leagues 
  • Projects focused on training for elite-level athletic achievement
  • Traditional schools and/or scholastic sports leagues 

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