The Nike Community Grants program—officially known as the Nike Community Impact Fund—is a powerful funding initiative designed to energize community organizations at the neighborhood level.
Through an employee-led, localized approach, Nike commits to investing in groups that use sports and physical activity to drive positive change and build inclusive spaces.
Whether you’re a small nonprofit seeking resources to expand youth programming or an established organization tackling broader social challenges, this grant offers flexible support tailored to meet local needs.
With awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, the program emphasizes both sports access (75% of grants) and innovative solutions to community issues (25% of grants).
From urban neighborhoods to rural towns, the Nike Community Grants program fuels lasting impact by empowering those closest to the action.
In this post, you’ll discover how to align your mission with Nike’s vision, navigate the application timeline, and learn best practices from real-world examples.
Let’s explore how this program can become a catalyst for your next phase of growth.
Program Overview: Purpose, Vision, and Reach
The Nike Community Grants program aims to make play possible for all youth by supporting local organizations that promote sports, wellness, and inclusion.
Operated under the Nike Community Impact Fund (NCIF), it’s an employee-driven, neighborhood-focused approach where team members nominate and help select grantees in regions where they live and work.
Key features:
- Employee Engagement: Nike teammates—across retail stores, offices, and logistics centers—serve on volunteer committees to assess applications and share local insights.
- Geographic Focus: Available in North America, Japan, and Europe, the program invests where Nike employees have the strongest ties.
- Dual Priorities:
- 75% of awards bolster projects that increase youth sports participation and physical activity.
- 25% of awards fund community-centered initiatives addressing challenges like social justice, education, or health inequities.
This structure ensures balanced funding between athletic opportunities and broader community resilience, making it one of the most versatile grant programs for grassroots leaders.
Eligibility and Application Process
Understanding the grant cycle and criteria is crucial for a successful proposal. Here’s a breakdown:
- Who Can Apply
- Tax-exempt U.S. nonprofits, schools, and community-based organizations.
- Projects must serve children, teens, or families, with measurable impact in physical activity or community development.
- Timeline
- Application Opens: January 9
- Info Session: January 21 (recording available online)
- Deadline: February 14 at 5 p.m. PT
- Notifications: Mid-May
- Funding Distribution: Summer (Oregon Community Foundation)
- Submission Requirements
- Project summary and objectives.
- Budget outlining how funds will be allocated.
- Community demographics and expected reach.
- Letters of support or partnership endorsements (optional but encouraged).
- Selection Criteria
- Alignment with Nike’s vision for active, inclusive communities.
- Feasibility and clear milestones.
- Potential for lasting impact beyond the funding period.
- Local insights provided by Nike volunteers.
Pro tip: Attend the info session and review the SCI Grantmaking Guide for detailed FAQs and sample applications to strengthen your proposal (media.about.nike.com).
Funding Structure and Impact Metrics
The funding range—$5,000 to $25,000—allows organizations of various sizes to participate.
Here’s how grants typically break down:
- Equipment & Gear: Purchase of sports equipment, uniforms, or facility upgrades.
- Programming Costs: Stipends for coaches, training workshops, and event logistics.
- Outreach & Inclusion: Marketing materials, translation services, and transportation for underserved youth.
- Evaluation Tools: Surveys or staff time allocated to track participation rates and outcomes.
When crafting your budget, map expenses directly to impact metrics such as:
- Increase in weekly participant numbers
- Improved physical fitness benchmarks
- Enhanced community engagement rates
- Long-term retention in sports or wellness programs
Use clear, quantifiable goals—“Grow basketball league attendance by 20% within six months”—to demonstrate accountability.
Employee Engagement: A Unique Selection Model
One standout feature of Nike Community Grants is the employee-led selection process. Here’s why it matters:
- Local Expertise: Nike volunteers bring firsthand knowledge of neighborhood dynamics, cultural nuances, and pressing needs.
- Collaborative Review: Committees convene to discuss applications, ensuring diverse perspectives shape funding decisions.
- Community Unity Events: In some regions, store-based athletes and local partners host “Community Unite” gatherings where final grantees are celebrated and receive feedback directly from Nike teams.
This model fosters transparency, builds relationships between Nike and grassroots leaders, and allows community voices to influence program direction—not just corporate headquarters.
Practical Examples: Real-World Success Stories
Example A: The Urban Youth Soccer Collective
In 2023, a small nonprofit in Detroit used a $7,500 grant to renovate a public soccer field and launch an after-school league for 120 kids. By tracking absentee rates and fitness assessments, the Collective reported a 30% increase in weekly physical activity—surpassing their goal—while also securing local media coverage.
Example B: Girls Who Lift
Based in Los Angeles, this organization secured $12,000 to expand weightlifting workshops for teen girls, including mentorship from female coaches. Attendance doubled in two months, and participants reported higher self-confidence scores in post-program surveys.
Example C: Healthy Cookouts Initiative
A community group in Chicago used $5,000 to host weekend sports clinics followed by healthy meal demonstrations. By partnering with local chefs, they combined sports and nutrition education, engaging over 200 families and collecting feedback for future iterations.
Each story underscores how tailored support and clear measurement plans can translate modest grants into transformative programs.
Best Practices for a Winning Application
To elevate your proposal, incorporate these strategies:
- Tell a Compelling Story: Use concise narratives and data snapshots to show need and potential.
- Demonstrate Collaboration: Highlight partnerships with schools, local governments, or other nonprofits.
- Prioritize Inclusion: Outline how you’ll lower barriers for underrepresented youth—consider language access, sliding-scale fees, or transportation stipends.
- Leverage Nike’s Assets: Mention how you’ll use any Nike volunteers, gear donations, or co-branding opportunities to amplify reach.
- Plan for Sustainability: Show how this grant will catalyze long-term growth—whether through volunteer recruitment, revenue-generating events, or future fundraising.
By aligning with Nike’s commitment to an active, inclusive world, your application can stand out as a true catalyst for change.
Nike Community Grants: Fueling Local Impact and Grassroots Growth
As you embark on your grant journey, remember that Nike’s investment is more than just financial—it’s a partnership rooted in shared passion for sports, wellness, and community.
The Nike Community Grants program offers flexible funding, local expertise, and a proven model for driving impact where it matters most.
Whether you’re kick-starting a youth league, training tomorrow’s coaches, or tackling systemic challenges through physical activity, this program can provide the boost you need.
Review the guidelines, craft a clear budget and timeline, and leverage the insights of Nike volunteers to position your organization for success. Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to play, grow, and thrive.
Useful Links
- Nike Community Impact Fund Overview: Championing Our Nike Community Impact Fund
- SCI Grantmaking Guide & FAQs: Download PDF
- Application Timeline & Details: Oregon Community Foundation
