Every year, thousands of nonprofits, schools, and community organizations miss out on sports funding because they don’t know how to properly apply. One of the most competitive—but also one of the most rewarding—opportunities is the Under Armour grant application process.
Under Armour, known globally for its performance gear and commitment to athletes, also invests millions into community development, youth sports, health initiatives, and equity-focused programs.
According to the company’s latest Impact Report (2024), Under Armour directed significant funding to grassroots sports programs, youth health organizations, and schools in underserved areas. But here’s the catch: the process can feel intimidating if you don’t know where to start.
If you’ve ever wondered how to access this kind of corporate funding for your nonprofit, school, or community project, this guide will break it down for you.
We’ll walk through eligibility, requirements, deadlines, insider tips, and step-by-step instructions to help you avoid the common mistakes that keep applications from getting approved.
As someone who has helped nonprofits prepare corporate grant applications—including sports-related funders like Nike, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Under Armour—I can tell you that success comes down to clarity, preparation, and alignment with the funder’s mission.
Let’s dive into the full walkthrough of the Under Armour grant application process, so your organization can position itself to win in 2025 and beyond.
Why the Under Armour Grant Matters
- Corporate commitment: Under Armour invests in sports, health, education, and equity.
- Funding focus: Youth sports, community fitness, schools, and nonprofits addressing barriers to physical activity.
- Rising demand: With inflation and shrinking school sports budgets, corporate funding is more important than ever.
Step 1: Understand the Under Armour Grant Mission & Priorities
Before you even begin an application, you need to know what Under Armour funds—and what it doesn’t.
Funding Focus Areas (2024–2025):
- Youth Sports Access: Expanding opportunities for underserved youth to participate in organized sports.
- School Partnerships: Grants to schools for sports equipment, uniforms, and fitness programs.
- Community Health: Initiatives that promote active lifestyles, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
- Equity in Sports: Programs addressing barriers for girls, minority athletes, and low-income families.
Non-Eligible Uses:
- Individual athletes or scholarships.
- Political or religious lobbying.
- General fundraising with no clear sports/health tie.
Tip: Always align your project proposal with at least one of the priority areas. Funders rarely bend on alignment.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
To save time, confirm whether your organization is eligible.
Eligible Applicants:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S.
- Public and private K–12 schools.
- Universities (with community engagement sports programs).
- International nonprofits (case-by-case, if focused on youth sports/health).
Key Requirements:
- Active tax-exempt status (IRS verification).
- Clear impact plan (with measurable outcomes).
- Financial transparency (recent IRS 990 or audit).
In my experience helping youth nonprofits apply, the #1 disqualifier is missing IRS paperwork. Double-check before you apply.
Step 3: Prepare Before You Apply
Strong applications are built, not rushed. Here’s what to prepare:
- Mission Statement & Alignment: Show how your mission overlaps with Under Armour’s values.
- Data & Stats: Example: “According to CDC, only 24% of American youth meet daily activity recommendations.”
- Impact Stories: Highlight real people or communities you’ve served.
- Budget Breakdown: Detailed funding request with cost categories (equipment, training, facilities).
- Partnerships: List schools, local governments, or other nonprofits backing your project.
Step 4: Walkthrough of the Application Portal
The Under Armour grant application is typically hosted on their official corporate responsibility or community impact portal.
What to Expect:
- Registration
- Create an account with your organization’s details.
- Verify EIN (Employer Identification Number).
- Organization Profile
- Upload tax-exempt verification.
- Enter leadership information (Board, Executive Director, etc.).
- Proposal Section
- Project Summary (300–500 words): Who you are, what you’ll do, and why it matters.
- Needs Statement: Describe the problem you’re addressing with supporting data.
- Project Plan & Activities: Timeline, staff roles, and measurable goals.
- Budget Upload: Itemized expenses with justification.
- Supporting Documents
- IRS 990, audited financials, letters of support.
Insider Tip: Use short, direct sentences. Reviewers skim—make it easy for them to find impact statements.
Step 5: Deadlines & Timing
Under Armour doesn’t accept rolling applications year-round. Instead, it typically opens seasonal cycles aligned with youth sports calendars.
Grant Cycles (Typical):
- Spring (March–May) – Youth leagues, school sports.
- Fall (August–October) – Community health and back-to-school initiatives.
According to Under Armour’s 2024 funding page, applicants should expect response times of 8–12 weeks.
Don’t wait until the last day. The portal often slows down under heavy traffic. Aim to submit at least 1 week before deadline.
Step 6: Review & Submission Checklist
Before you hit submit, confirm:
- ✅ Mission alignment clearly stated.
- ✅ Measurable outcomes defined (ex: 200 youth enrolled in after-school soccer).
- ✅ Budget is realistic (avoid inflated numbers).
- ✅ Attachments uploaded (990, letters of support).
- ✅ Proofread for clarity and grammar.
Step 7: What Happens After Submission
- Confirmation Email – Keep for records.
- Internal Review – Screeners check eligibility first.
- Committee Review – Program staff and corporate responsibility leaders score proposals.
- Funding Decision – Expect notification by email.
If approved, you’ll need to sign a grant agreement, outlining reporting requirements and spending rules.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
- Submitting without checking alignment.
- Copy-pasting generic proposals.
- Overpromising outcomes (saying you’ll reach 10,000 kids with $5,000).
- Forgetting required attachments.
I’ve seen strong applications fail simply because the applicant forgot to upload their IRS letter of determination. Don’t let that be you.
Insider Tips for a Stronger Application
- Use Measurable Metrics: Instead of “we’ll improve youth health,” say “we’ll increase weekly physical activity for 150 youth by 30%.”
- Show Local Impact: Funders love specific communities. Mention zip codes, schools, or neighborhoods.
- Leverage Partnerships: If your program is co-run with schools or local sports leagues, highlight that collaboration.
- Tell a Human Story: Share a short story of a student or community member transformed by your work.
FAQ: Under Armour Grant Application Process
1. How much funding can we request?
Typically, grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, though large projects can receive more with strong justification.
2. Do they fund outside the U.S.?
Yes, but it’s case-by-case and must focus on youth sports/health with strong accountability.
3. Can faith-based organizations apply?
Yes, if the program serves the broader community and is not exclusively religious.
4. How long does it take to hear back?
Most applicants hear within 8–12 weeks after deadline.
5. Can individuals apply?
No. Only registered organizations or schools.
Conclusion
The Under Armour grant application process may look daunting at first, but once you break it into steps, it becomes much more manageable. By aligning your project with Under Armour’s mission, preparing documentation in advance, and submitting a clear, measurable proposal, you dramatically increase your chances of success.
The truth is, opportunities like this are competitive—and deadlines don’t wait. If you’re serious about bringing new resources into your school, nonprofit, or community program, now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until the portal opens to start drafting your proposal—build your case now.
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Resources
Suggested Reading:
- Eligibility Requirements for the Under Armour Grant: Who Can Apply and What They Fund
- Tips to Strengthen Your Proposal for the Under Armour Community Impact Grants
- Key Deadlines and Funding Cycles for the Under Armour Grant Program
- Success Stories: How Organizations Won Funding Through Under Armour Grants
