NBPA Foundation Grant Program Overview

We do not accept unsolicited grants or sponsorship requests.

Funding Pillars

Eligibility Details 

Player Matching Grant Program:

  • US-based organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service for at least one year.

    • For organizations with fiscal sponsors, the sponsor must also meet the criteria above.

  • International organizations may be eligible for funding based on the criteria set forth by the NBPA Foundation’s fiscal intermediaries/partners.

  • The project must fall align with at least one of the NBPAF Funding Pillars and adhere to the guidelines listed below.

  • Player-founded nonprofits are eligible as long as they meet the criteria above

  • The organization must receive financial support from an eligible NBPA member (active or retired NBA player) within the previous 12 months. Eligibility is determined by the player's contract status or years of service. Player eligibility can be confirmed upon submission of the interest form or via the Foundation team.

Funding Limitations

The NBPA Foundation does not fund or issue grants to the following:

  • Reimbursement of expenses related to programs, events, etc.;

  • Individuals for personal purposes (i.e., for scholarships, stipends, fellowships, personal assistance, etc.);

  • More than 30% of an organization’s income;

  • Professional sports teams and their foundations/charitable arms (including the purchase of game tickets and memorabilia and sponsorship of related events);

  • For-profit ventures;

  • Religious groups;

  • Production of fundraisers;

  • Capital campaigns, endowment funds, or memorials;

  • Bricks and mortar, other capital projects, or the purchase of capital equipment (this does not include basketball court renovations);

  • Lobbying, political or fraternal activities;

  • Conferences or symposia that are not connected to current NBPA Foundation grants;

  • Concerts, theater or media performances, or art exhibitions that are not connected to current NBPA Foundation grants;

  • Endowments and related funds for public and private colleges and universities;

  • Operating expenses and ongoing services of either public or voluntary hospitals; or

  • Awards that require the NBPA, its members or its employees to raise additional monies on behalf of the organization receiving the grant or bestowing the award.

Steps

  • Confirm Eligibility – Make sure you’re eligible and read our application FAQs.

  • Interest Form - Parties interested in applying should complete the Grant Interest Form. A member of the Foundation team will reach out to discuss the process and application.

  • Attend a Grant Orientation– Attending an orientation is highly recommended. During the workshop, the guidelines, requirements, and application process will be discussed in detail. Please note that you will be asked to verify your nonprofit status by submitting your organization’s W9. 

  • Submit Application – Following the orientation, you will be invited to apply. The invitation will be an email from our grant portal. Applications will be evaluated based on the strength of the application and the operations of the recipient organization.

  • Final Decision – The NBPA Foundation Team will review your application and provide a funding recommendation to the Board. You will be notified of the Board’s final decision via email. The NBPA Foundation, its board, and the sponsoring NBPA member reserve the right to adjust the awarded grant amount.

Rolling Grant Application Schedule

While grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, we recommend referencing the schedule below to determine when you should apply and potentially receive grant funds, if awarded. Application submission is defined as a fully completed application, including all required documents and no additional information has been requested by the NBPA Foundation team.

The application must be fully completed, meaning documents aren’t missing and/or additional information isn’t needed.

 

Grant schedule is subject to change.

 

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission. Applications not formally submitted in the portal will not be considered. Any additional questions or requests from the Foundation team will be communicated via email and the portal. Award notifications will be sent via email.