Every year, thousands of nonprofit organizations apply for corporate grants—and most of them are rejected. Not because their missions lack impact, but because their proposals fail to stand out. If you’re planning to apply for the Under Armour Community Impact Grants, the stakes are high.
This grant program is designed to fuel nonprofits that uplift youth through sports, wellness, and community engagement. Yet, competition is fierce, and a strong, well-crafted proposal is the difference between getting funded and getting overlooked.
Why does this matter now?
Corporate philanthropy has surged, with U.S. companies giving over $21 billion in charitable contributions in 2023 (according to Giving USA). Under Armour has doubled down on its commitment to supporting grassroots organizations that foster equity, health, and opportunity.
With deadlines approaching and a limited pool of funds, nonprofits need more than just a good idea—they need a winning proposal.
In this guide, I’ll share actionable, step-by-step tips to strengthen your proposal for the Under Armour Community Impact Grants.
Drawing from experience working with nonprofits that secured funding, plus insights from corporate grantmaking trends, you’ll learn how to align with Under Armour’s priorities, avoid common mistakes, and create a compelling application that rises to the top.
If your organization empowers youth through sports, fitness, or mentorship, this grant can be a game-changer. Let’s make sure your proposal has what it takes to win.
Understanding the Under Armour Community Impact Grants
Before diving into tips, it’s important to understand what this program funds, who qualifies, and why Under Armour invests in these initiatives.
What the Grant Supports
The Under Armour Community Impact Grants typically fund:
- Programs that use sports and fitness to promote health and wellness.
- Youth development initiatives focused on leadership, mentorship, and life skills.
- Projects supporting equity and access in underserved communities.
- Community facilities and safe spaces that enable active living.
Eligibility Basics
According to Under Armour’s community impact site, most grants go to:
- U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
- Programs that primarily serve youth.
- Organizations with measurable outcomes in health, wellness, and equity.
Why It’s Competitive
Corporate grants like this attract hundreds of applications. Under Armour looks for clear alignment with their mission of “empowering those who strive for more.” Proposals that lack focus or measurable impact are often cut early in the review process.
7 Tips to Strengthen Your Proposal (Main Content ~1,800 words)
1. Align Your Mission with Under Armour’s Values
The strongest proposals make the funder feel like your mission and their mission are one. Under Armour invests heavily in youth, sports equity, and community empowerment.
Action Step:
- Review Under Armour’s recent press releases and CSR reports. For example, their 2024 Impact Report emphasized partnerships with organizations like Girls on the Run and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
- Highlight shared values in your proposal. Example: “Like Under Armour, we believe every child deserves access to sports and mentorship, regardless of their zip code.”
2. Define Clear, Measurable Outcomes
Vague goals like “improve youth health” won’t cut it. Funders want numbers.
Better Approach:
- Instead of: “We will increase physical activity for local teens.”
- Write: “We will provide 150 youth ages 12–18 with three weekly fitness sessions, aiming for a 25% increase in endurance test scores after six months.”
Pro Tip: Use data tools like the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance to show how your community compares to national health trends. This demonstrates need and positions your program as a solution.
3. Showcase Community Partnerships
Under Armour values collaboration. Proposals that demonstrate strong local partnerships show you’re not working in a silo.
Example Partnerships to Mention:
- Local schools that provide gym space.
- Community health clinics that offer screenings.
- Other nonprofits that provide wraparound services.
Case Study:
In my experience helping a youth sports nonprofit in Baltimore, their winning proposal highlighted partnerships with two public schools and a city rec center. This proved they had the infrastructure to expand and sustain impact.
4. Tell a Compelling Story with Data + Human Impact
Don’t just throw numbers at reviewers. Blend statistics with real human stories.
Formula:
- Start with a short story about a program participant.
- Add data to show the broader need.
- Circle back to how funding will replicate that success for others.
Example:
“Last year, 14-year-old Maya joined our after-school soccer program. At the start, she struggled with self-confidence and had never played a sport. After nine months, she not only led her team as captain but also improved her grades by two letter points.
Stories like Maya’s aren’t rare—they’re part of a larger need, as 68% of youth in our district lack access to organized sports. With Under Armour’s support, we can expand this impact to 200 more students.”
5. Develop a Realistic, Transparent Budget
One of the top reasons proposals fail? Weak budgets. Under Armour wants to see that you’ll use funds wisely.
Best Practices:
- Break down costs into categories: equipment, coaching staff, facility rental, transportation, program evaluation.
- Keep administrative costs low (ideally under 15%).
- Show cost-sharing from other sources—this proves sustainability.
Tip: Use a budget table for clarity. Example:
| Category | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment (uniforms, balls) | $10,000 | For 200 youth participants |
| Coaching Staff | $25,000 | Two part-time certified coaches |
| Facility Rental | $7,500 | 9 months, local rec center |
| Evaluation Tools | $2,500 | Pre/post surveys, fitness assessments |
6. Address Equity and Inclusion Directly
Corporate funders in 2025 expect equity-focused language. Under Armour especially supports initiatives serving underserved communities.
Action Steps:
- Describe the demographics of the youth you serve.
- Explain barriers they face (income, access, systemic inequities).
- Share how your program intentionally addresses those barriers.
Sample Language:
“Our program is located in a community where 70% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Transportation is a key barrier, which is why 15% of our budget will provide safe, free rides to and from practice.”
7. Follow Instructions to the Letter
It sounds simple, but many nonprofits disqualify themselves by missing details.
Tips:
- Double-check word limits.
- Upload all required documents (IRS letter, board list, financials).
- Submit before the deadline—systems often crash in the final hours.
Pro Tip: Assign one staff member to review the proposal only for compliance. A fresh set of eyes will catch things the writer may overlook.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing a generic proposal without tailoring it to Under Armour’s mission.
- Using jargon-heavy language that reviewers outside your sector won’t understand.
- Overestimating impact without realistic plans to measure outcomes.
- Ignoring the storytelling element in favor of dry statistics.
FAQ Section
1. What are the deadlines for the Under Armour Community Impact Grants?
Deadlines vary annually, but applications typically open in spring and close by early summer. Always check the official Under Armour Impact site for updated dates.
2. Can faith-based organizations apply?
Yes, as long as their programs are non-discriminatory and primarily serve community needs, not religious instruction.
3. How much funding can organizations receive?
Grants generally range from $10,000–$25,000, depending on scope and alignment.
4. Is this grant only for sports programs?
No, while sports are central, Under Armour also funds wellness, leadership, and equity initiatives tied to youth.
5. What documents are required?
Expect to submit your IRS determination letter, program budget, board list, audited financials (if applicable), and a narrative proposal.
Conclusion
Securing the Under Armour Community Impact Grant can transform your organization’s ability to reach youth, expand programming, and strengthen community impact. But in such a competitive field, only the most thoughtful, well-prepared proposals make it to the top.
The nonprofits that succeed are the ones that:
- Align clearly with Under Armour’s mission.
- Present measurable, realistic outcomes.
- Highlight strong community partnerships.
- Balance storytelling with data.
- Submit polished, compliant applications.
If your organization checks these boxes, you’re in a strong position to secure funding. Don’t wait until the last minute—review your narrative, finalize your budget, and get feedback from a peer or consultant before hitting submit.
Want more expert guidance on winning corporate, foundation, and federal grants?
Subscribe to the Grant Writing Academy Newsletter for weekly insights—or take the leap and join our Founding Membership to access full training, coaching, and proposal templates that have helped nonprofits raise millions.
The deadline clock is ticking. Strengthen your proposal today and put your organization on the path to funding success.
Resources
- Under Armour Community Impact – official site
- Giving USA 2023 Report – corporate philanthropy trends
- CDC Youth Risk Behavior Data – youth health stats
Suggested Reading
-
Eligibility Requirements for the Under Armour Grant: Who Can Apply and What They Fund
-
Step-by-Step Walkthrough of the Under Armour Grant Application Process
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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
- Under Armour Grant Application: Complete Guide for Nonprofits and Community Programs
