DICK’S Sporting Goods – Sponsorships and Donations Program
Support for Youth Sports Teams, Leagues, Athletes, and Community Sports Organizations
DICK’S Sporting Goods provides sponsorships and donations to sports teams, leagues, athletes, schools, and youth sports organizations in communities where it has a store presence. The program is designed to support participation in sports and outdoor activities, with request options for sponsorships, smaller donations, and grants.
Organization: DICK’S Sporting Goods
Support Type: Sponsorships, donations, and grants
Geographic Focus: Communities with a DICK’S Sporting Goods store presence
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About the Funder
DICK’S Sporting Goods is a national sporting goods retailer that believes sports can help change lives. Through its community giving programs, DICK’S supports youth sports participation, team development, school athletics, and community-based sports organizations. The company emphasizes the role of sports in building confidence, motivating students, strengthening character, and teaching life lessons beyond the playing field.
What This Program Supports
DICK’S Sporting Goods considers support for sports-related organizations and activities, including:
Youth sports leagues
School sports organizations
Community sports teams
Sports-related events
Equipment needs
Raffle prizes
Outdoor and athletic participation programs
Requests must be directly related to eligible sports or athletic activities, including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, pickleball, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wrestling, and many other listed sports.
Eligible Support Types
DICK’S Sporting Goods offers several types of community support:
Sponsorships
Sponsorship requests are intended for youth sports organizations or schools seeking funding support. Sponsorship requests must be under $25,000 and may require a written agreement between DICK’S Sporting Goods and the youth sports organization.
Donations
Donation requests may support a specific event or individual youth sports team. Donations must be under $250 and may include bonus certificates, coupon booklets, coupons, or in-store gift certificates at the company’s discretion.
Grants
DICK’S Sporting Goods also offers grants for qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools serving kids in communities with demonstrated economic need. The grants pathway is intended for organizations serving kids within a poverty zip code of at least 15%, or public schools with a Free/Reduced Price Lunch rate of 40% or higher.
Sponsorship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a sponsorship request:
The request must be for a youth sports league or organization
The request must serve a community where DICK’S Sporting Goods has a store presence
The request must be under $25,000
The request must be directly related to an eligible sport
The request cannot be for a religious or political organization
The request cannot be for an individual, scholarship, political campaign, or political candidate
Employees of DICK’S Sporting Goods and their family members may not submit applications
The organization or team must agree to comply with DICK’S Sporting Goods’ anti-discrimination policy
Donation Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a donation request:
The request must be on behalf of a sports league or organization
The request must serve a community where DICK’S Sporting Goods has a store presence
The request must be under $250
The request must be directly related to an eligible sport
The request cannot be for a religious or political organization
The request cannot be for an individual, scholarship, political campaign, or political candidate
Employees of DICK’S Sporting Goods and their family members may not submit applications
The organization or team must agree to comply with DICK’S Sporting Goods’ anti-discrimination policy
What Applicants Should Prepare
Before beginning a sponsorship or donation application, applicants should gather:
Basic personal and team, league, or organization information
EIN number and nonprofit or school documentation, if applicable
Specific details about the funding or donation request
A budget or list of requested equipment, if requesting equipment support
Vendor quotes for requested services, such as transportation, lodging, or facility rentals
Registration forms with applicable fees, such as pay-to-play fees, sports camp fees, or tournament fees
Funding Amounts
Sponsorship requests must be under $25,000.
Donation requests must be under $250.
Donation awards may include bonus certificates, coupon booklets, coupons, or in-store gift certificates.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Timeline: Requests are reviewed monthly
📅 Review Period: Decisions are typically made within 60 days of submission
📅 Recommended Lead Time: Apply well before the event, season, or funding need
Application / Request Process
Applicants should select the appropriate request pathway based on the type of support needed: sponsorship, donation, or grant. Requests are submitted through the DICK’S Sporting Goods online application system.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/s/marketing/sponsorships-and-donations
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for youth sports organizations, school athletic programs, and community sports leagues seeking sponsorship or in-kind support. The donation pathway may be especially useful for organizations looking for raffle prizes, equipment support, or small-value incentives, while the sponsorship pathway is better suited for larger youth sports organization needs.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Monthly review
Typical Lead Time: Allow up to 60 days for a decision
Best Suited For: Youth sports leagues, school sports programs, community athletic organizations, and sports-related nonprofit events
