Cleveland Cavaliers – Community Donation Requests (2026)

In-Kind Donations, Group Tickets, and Community Appearances Supporting Ohio Nonprofits

The Cleveland Cavaliers support charitable organizations and community events throughout Ohio through merchandise and autographed-item donations, group ticket opportunities, and appearances by Cavaliers Legends, mascots, and entertainment teams.

Due to the volume of requests received, eligible organizations may receive only one type of support per calendar year: an in-kind donation, an appearance, or group tickets.

Organization: Cleveland Cavaliers
Support Type: In-kind donations, community appearances, and group ticket donations
Geographic Focus: Ohio
Application Timeline: Rolling; advance submission requirements vary by request type

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About the Funder

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball organization and member of the National Basketball Association. Through charitable giving, community programming, ticket donations, and public appearances, the Cavaliers support nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout Ohio.

The Cavaliers receive hundreds of community requests and review submissions based on eligibility, event timing, availability, and the type of support requested.

What This Program Supports

The Cleveland Cavaliers offer three primary forms of community support.

In-Kind Donations

The Cavaliers provide merchandise and autographed items that nonprofit organizations may use for:

• Charitable auctions
• Raffles
• Door prizes
• Fundraising events
• Community events

Approved requests will generally receive Cavaliers merchandise, an autographed item, or a combination of available items.

Game tickets are not provided for auctions, raffles, door prizes, or other fundraising events.

Community Appearances

Organizations may request appearances by:

• Cleveland Cavaliers Legends
• Cavaliers mascots
• Cavaliers entertainment teams

Cavaliers Legends appearance requests must be submitted through the designated Legends Appearance Request Form.

Mascot and entertainment team requests are handled through the Cavaliers Entertainment webpage and the applicable appearance request forms.

Submitting a request does not guarantee that an appearance will be available.

Group Ticket Donations

The Cavaliers provide opportunities for groups of children and community members to attend Cavaliers home games.

Priority is given to Ohio nonprofit organizations serving underserved youth. Ticket availability is limited, and the Cavaliers may not be able to fulfill every request.

Group tickets are intended to provide a game-day experience and may not be used as auction items, raffle prizes, door prizes, or fundraising incentives.

Eligible Support Types

Organizations may request one of the following during a calendar year:

• Cavaliers merchandise or autographed items
• A Cavaliers Legend appearance
• A mascot or entertainment team appearance
• Group tickets to a Cavaliers home game

An organization may receive only one in-kind donation, appearance, or group ticket donation per calendar year.

Eligibility & Preferences

In-Kind Donation Eligibility

To be considered for an in-kind donation, an organization must:

• Be recognized as a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Be located in Ohio
• Submit the online request form completely
• Submit the request at least six weeks before the event
• Provide a complete and accurate mailing or shipping address
• Have not already received another Cavaliers donation, appearance, or group ticket donation during the calendar year

Organizations outside Ohio are not eligible for in-kind donations.

Appearance Request Requirements

Organizations requesting a Cavaliers Legend appearance must:

• Complete the appropriate online appearance request form
• Submit the request at least six weeks before the event
• Provide complete information about the organization and event
• Have not already received another Cavaliers donation, appearance, or group ticket donation during the calendar year

Each organization is eligible for no more than one Cavaliers appearance per calendar year.

Appearance requests are subject to scheduling, personnel availability, and Cavaliers approval.

Group Ticket Eligibility

To be considered for group tickets, an organization must:

• Be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Be located in Ohio
• Complete the group ticket request form in full
• Have not already received another Cavaliers donation, appearance, or group ticket donation during the calendar year

Priority is given to nonprofit organizations supporting underserved youth.

Ineligible Requests

The Cavaliers will not support:

• In-kind or group ticket requests from organizations outside Ohio
• In-kind or group ticket requests from organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Incomplete request forms
• In-kind donation requests submitted fewer than six weeks before an event
• More than one donation, appearance, or group ticket request for the same organization during a calendar year
• Requests to use game tickets for auctions, raffles, door prizes, or other fundraising activities

Submitting an eligible request does not guarantee that support will be provided.

Donation Amounts

The Cleveland Cavaliers do not publish standard monetary values for community donations.

This program does not provide cash grants. Support may consist of:

• Cavaliers merchandise
• Autographed items
• Group tickets
• Approved community appearances

The specific item, ticket quantity, or appearance offered will depend on availability and Cavaliers approval.

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling throughout the year
📅 In-Kind Request Lead Time: At least six weeks before the event
📅 Cavaliers Legends Appearance Lead Time: At least six weeks before the event
📅 In-Kind Fulfillment: Approved donations are generally sent four to six weeks before the event
📅 Review Order: Requests are reviewed based on event date

Organizations should apply as early as possible. High request volume and limited inventory may affect availability.

Application / Request Process

Organizations should begin by selecting the appropriate type of request on the Cavaliers Community Donations page.

Applicants should:

• Select only one type of support
• Complete the appropriate online form
• Provide accurate nonprofit and contact information
• Describe the event, audience, and charitable purpose
• Confirm the organization’s Ohio location when required
• Submit the request at least six weeks in advance when applicable
• Verify that the mailing or shipping address is complete and correct

Separate forms are available for in-kind donations, Cavaliers Legends appearances, entertainment team and mascot appearances, and group ticket requests.

Apply / Learn More

➡️ https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/donations

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:

• Are recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in Ohio
• Are planning an auction, raffle, community event, or charitable fundraiser
• Could use Cavaliers merchandise or an autographed item to support fundraising
• Serve children or underserved youth who could benefit from attending a Cavaliers game
• Are organizing an event where a Cavaliers Legend, mascot, or entertainment team appearance would add community value
• Can submit a complete request well in advance of the event

The Cleveland Cavaliers Community Donations Program is best suited for Ohio nonprofits seeking event-related in-kind support, memorable community experiences, or opportunities for youth to attend a professional basketball game.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Rolling review based on event date
Recommended Lead Time: At least six weeks for in-kind and Cavaliers Legends appearance requests
Best Suited For: Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, youth-serving organizations, charitable events, auctions, raffles, and community programs
Support Limitation: One in-kind donation, appearance, or group ticket donation per organization per calendar year
Cash Funding Available: No
Geographic Focus: Ohio