Eligibility Requirements for the Under Armour Grant: Who Can Apply

If your nonprofit, school, or community program is looking for fresh funding opportunities in 2025, one name that keeps coming up is Under Armour. Known globally for its athletic gear and performance sportswear, Under Armour is also making a significant mark through its philanthropic grants. But here’s the challenge: many organizations don’t fully understand the eligibility requirements—and as a result, they miss out on funding that could transform their programs.

The Under Armour grant application process is highly competitive. Each year, the company receives thousands of proposals from nonprofits, schools, and community leaders all fighting for the same funding pool. That means understanding exactly who can apply and what they fund is your competitive edge.

Why does this matter now? In recent years, corporations like Under Armour have been increasing their social impact giving, especially in the areas of youth development, equity in sports, and community health. According to the 2024 CECP Giving in Numbers report, corporate giving has risen by nearly 8% since 2021, with companies like Under Armour leading the way in strategic philanthropic investments.

In this guide, I’ll break down the eligibility requirements for the Under Armour grant, share what types of programs they actually fund, and offer insider strategies from my experience helping nonprofits secure corporate grants.

If you’re serious about strengthening your application in 2025, this is the roadmap you need.

Who Is Eligible for the Under Armour Grant?

Eligibility is the first—and often the biggest—hurdle. Unlike general donation requests, the Under Armour grant has clear guidelines to ensure funding aligns with the company’s mission.

Primary Eligibility Requirements

Nonprofit Status: Applicants must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S. or hold similar nonprofit status in their country.
Focus on Youth & Sports: Grants primarily go to organizations that promote access to sport, fitness, and healthy living for youth, particularly in underserved communities.

Community Impact: Programs must demonstrate measurable community outcomes, not just participation numbers.
Alignment with Under Armour Values: Projects should connect to themes like performance, teamwork, resilience, and breaking down barriers to participation.

Who Cannot Apply

Individuals
For-profit businesses
Religious organizations (unless programs serve a broader, non-religious community)
Political campaigns or lobbying efforts

In my experience working with youth-serving nonprofits, many groups disqualify themselves by applying without proof of nonprofit incorporation or by proposing projects that fall outside of youth athletics.

What Does the Under Armour Grant Fund?

Once you’re clear on eligibility, the next step is knowing what they actually fund. This is where many applicants waste time—by proposing projects that don’t fit.

Funding Priorities

Youth Sports Access: Programs that remove barriers to participation (equipment costs, transportation, facilities).
Equity & Inclusion: Initiatives serving underrepresented groups, such as girls in sports, adaptive athletics, or low-income communities.
School Partnerships: Collaborations with schools to enhance PE programs, after-school sports, or athletic facilities.
Community Health & Fitness: Broader wellness initiatives tied to sports and movement.

Types of Expenses They Cover

Equipment purchases (uniforms, gear, training tools)
Facility renovations or upgrades for safe play
Coaching, training, and mentorship programs
Scholarship funds to support athlete participation
Pilot programs testing innovative sports access models

What They Usually Do Not Fund

General operating expenses unrelated to programs
Large-scale infrastructure projects (stadiums, arenas)
Elite travel teams that serve small, exclusive groups

Pro Tip: Under Armour looks for scalable, community-driven programs. If your proposal can demonstrate replication or long-term sustainability, your chances increase dramatically.

How to Apply for the Under Armour Grant (Step-by-Step)

Applying requires more than just filling out a form. Here’s a proven framework:

Review Eligibility Guidelines
- Check Under Armour’s official Community Impact page for the most recent criteria.
Prepare Key Documents
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (or local nonprofit equivalent).
- Latest audited financials or Form 990.
- Program budget and sustainability plan.
Craft a Compelling Proposal
- Clearly define the problem (e.g., lack of access to safe sports facilities).
- Share your solution (e.g., after-school basketball program for underserved youth).
- Provide measurable outcomes (e.g., “Engage 300 students within 12 months, with 70% reporting increased physical activity levels”).
Submit Online
- Applications are usually submitted through Under Armour’s grants portal or via invitation.
Follow Up & Report
- If awarded, grantees must provide periodic updates and outcome reports.

Deadlines & Funding Cycles (2025 Updates)

Annual Deadlines: Under Armour typically announces funding rounds once or twice per year.
Rolling Opportunities: Some local programs accept rolling applications, particularly for small-scale community sponsorships.
Grant Sizes: Awards vary widely—small grants may range from $5,000–$25,000, while flagship partnerships can reach six figures.

Tip: Subscribe to Under Armour’s community updates or partner with a grant consultant to stay ahead of deadlines.

Challenges and Common Mistakes

Many strong organizations still get rejected. Here’s why:

Insider Tips for Success

Tell Human Stories: Highlight the real kids and families impacted.
Show Partnerships: Under Armour prefers collaborative efforts with schools, cities, or other nonprofits.
Leverage Media: Demonstrating strong community visibility can make your project more attractive.
Think Long-Term: Position your project as scalable and replicable across multiple communities.

FAQs

1. What is the Under Armour grant?
It’s a corporate social impact grant designed to fund nonprofits that expand access to youth sports, health, and community wellness.

2. Who is eligible for the Under Armour grant?
Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent, focusing on youth sports, equity, and community fitness.

3. How much funding does Under Armour provide?
Grants typically range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on project scope and impact.

4. Do schools qualify for Under Armour grants?
Yes, if programs are tied to athletic, PE, or after-school initiatives.

5. Does Under Armour fund international programs?
Yes, but international applicants must have recognized nonprofit status in their country.

6. Can individuals apply for an Under Armour grant?
No, funding is limited to nonprofits and community organizations.

7. What kinds of projects does Under Armour not fund?
Political, religious-exclusive, or non-sports-related initiatives are typically ineligible.

Conclusion

If your nonprofit or school is passionate about expanding access to sports, fitness, and healthy living, the Under Armour grant could be a game-changer. But the difference between success and rejection lies in the details: meeting eligibility requirements, aligning with funding priorities, and presenting a compelling, measurable impact.

Don’t wait until the last minute—funding cycles are competitive, and preparing your documents, data, and program outcomes now will give you a clear edge.

Under Armour is more than a sportswear company. Through its philanthropic investments, it’s helping thousands of youth step onto the playing field—many for the first time. If your program is ready to make that kind of impact, now is the time to apply.

Next Step: If you want expert guidance on corporate grants like Under Armour’s, subscribe to the Grant Writing Academy Newsletter or join our Founding Membership ($1,999/year) to access exclusive training, proposal templates, and insider coaching.

Eligibility Requirements for the Under Armour Grant: Who Can Apply