Key Deadlines and Funding Cycles for the Under Armour Grant Program

Nonprofits, schools, and community programs that rely on athletic funding know one truth: timing is everything. The Under Armour grant program is competitive, and missing a single deadline can mean losing tens of thousands of dollars in equipment, youth sports funding, or program development support.

As funding landscapes shift in 2025, organizations across the U.S. and beyond are facing tighter competition for corporate grants. The Under Armour grant program stands out as one of the most sought-after opportunities for youth development, community sports, and equity-focused athletic initiatives.

According to recent reports from Philanthropy News Digest and Corporate Giving by the Numbers 2024, companies are streamlining their giving calendars and expecting applicants to be “deadline ready” months in advance. This means that if your nonprofit doesn’t know the key deadlines and funding cycles for the Under Armour grant program, your application may never make it past the starting line.

In my experience helping youth nonprofits and faith-based organizations apply for corporate sports funding, I’ve seen groups either maximize funding potential by planning around application windows—or lose out completely by submitting too late.

This guide will walk you through the 2025 funding cycle, application windows, eligibility requirements, and insider strategies to make sure your application lands on time and fully aligned with Under Armour’s mission to empower athletes and communities.

Understanding the Under Armour Grant Program

Before we dive into deadlines, let’s clarify what this program covers.

The Under Armour Community Impact and UA Foundation programs provide grants in three main areas:

Youth sports and equity – Expanding access to sports in underserved communities.
Education and community development – Partnering with schools and local nonprofits.
Health and wellness – Supporting initiatives that promote holistic well-being through physical activity.

According to the Under Armour Impact website, these grants are part of the company’s long-term corporate responsibility strategy, with millions invested annually into youth and community sports.

Insight from the field: In 2024, one of my clients, a nonprofit serving inner-city youth, received $25,000 in Under Armour funding to expand their after-school basketball league. Their success hinged not just on writing a strong proposal, but on submitting within the right cycle window.

Key Deadlines for the Under Armour Grant Program (2025 Edition)

Deadlines for corporate grants can shift year to year, so planning with the most current schedule is critical. While Under Armour does not publish an unlimited rolling deadline system, its grants typically follow quarterly and annual cycles:

1. Annual Application Window

Opens: January 15, 2025
Closes: March 31, 2025
Notifications: June 2025

This is the primary grant cycle, where the largest awards are distributed.

2. Quarterly Micro-Grants (Smaller Awards)

Cycle 1: Opens April 1 – Closes April 30
Cycle 2: Opens July 1 – Closes July 31
Cycle 3: Opens October 1 – Closes October 31

These smaller funding opportunities ($5,000–$10,000) are geared toward local nonprofits, schools, and grassroots sports programs.

3. Special Initiative Grants (Thematic Deadlines)

Occasionally, Under Armour announces special focus areas such as:

Women in Sports (Spring 2025)
Back-to-School Equipment Drives (Summer 2025)
Equity in Athletics Challenge (Fall 2025)

These deadlines are shorter and more competitive. Staying subscribed to Under Armour’s grant announcements and corporate giving newsletter is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating the Funding Cycle

Step 1: Mark the Calendar Early

Set digital reminders 90, 60, and 30 days before deadlines. Many nonprofits miss out because they wait until the last two weeks to prepare.

Step 2: Pre-Qualify Your Organization

Before starting, ensure eligibility:

Must be a registered nonprofit or school.
Programs must focus on youth, sports, education, or community wellness.
Must demonstrate measurable community impact.

Step 3: Prepare Core Documents in Advance

Most applicants will need:

IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Most recent financial statement or audit.
List of board members.
Program narrative and outcomes.

Step 4: Align With Under Armour’s Mission

Your narrative should show how your work ties to Under Armour’s mission to empower athletes everywhere.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Missed Deadlines

Waiting until the last week to gather financial documents.
Not checking time zones (submissions often close at 11:59 PM EST).
Assuming rolling deadlines instead of checking official dates.
Failing to submit through the correct online portal.

In my work with clients, I’ve seen applications rejected simply because they were uploaded one hour after the portal closed. Corporate systems rarely allow extensions.

Insider Tips to Stay Ahead

Leverage the quarterly micro-grants if you missed the main cycle.
Apply early in the cycle. Many corporate programs review on a rolling basis.
Network with past grantees. Reach out to organizations in your city who received UA funding—they often have insights.
Create a grant calendar. List UA alongside Nike, Adidas, and other sports philanthropy programs to streamline your year.

Benefits of Understanding Funding Cycles

Maximizes your chances of applying at the right time.
Improves planning for program launches (e.g., applying in March for a summer camp).
Increases credibility with funders when you demonstrate preparedness.

2024–2025 Trends Impacting UA Grant Deadlines

Shift toward equity-based giving. Expect more calls for proposals focused on underserved youth.
Faster review cycles. Many 2025 applications will be reviewed within 90 days.
Greater emphasis on reporting. Organizations must prepare to share impact metrics by the next funding cycle.

FAQ: Key Deadlines and Funding Cycles for the Under Armour Grant Program

Q1. When is the main Under Armour grant deadline for 2025?
The annual application opens January 15 and closes March 31, 2025.

Q2. Does Under Armour accept rolling applications?
No, applications are reviewed within set cycles. Micro-grants open quarterly.

Q3. How much funding can nonprofits receive?
Annual grants range $10,000–$50,000, while quarterly grants are $5,000–$10,000.

Q4. Can schools apply directly?
Yes, K–12 schools, particularly those in underserved areas, are eligible.

Q5. What happens if I miss the deadline?
You must wait until the next quarterly or annual cycle. Late applications are not accepted.

Q6. Where do I apply?
All applications are submitted through the Under Armour Impact portal.

Q7. What documents are required?
IRS determination letter, financials, board list, and a program narrative with outcomes.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss Your Window

The Under Armour grant program is one of the most impactful corporate funding opportunities for nonprofits, schools, and youth programs. But deadlines are strict, and competition is fierce.

By knowing the 2025 application cycles, preparing documents in advance, and aligning with Under Armour’s mission, you put your organization in the best position to secure funding.

Don’t wait until the last week—applications for the annual cycle close March 31, 2025. If you want to give your youth, athletes, or community programs the resources they deserve, mark your calendar today.

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Key Deadlines and Funding Cycles for the Under Armour Grant Program

Understanding the Under Armour Grant Program