Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation – Quarterly Grants (2026)

Funding for Youth Programs in Southern California

Organization: Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Southern California (Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange Counties)

About the Funder

The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation is committed to improving the lives of underserved youth through strategic investments in education, health and wellness, and sports-based programming. Through its quarterly grant program, the Foundation supports established nonprofit organizations delivering meaningful, measurable impact in local communities.

What This Program Supports

The Lakers Youth Foundation provides funding for youth-focused programs that align with its three priority areas:

• Education
  Programs that enhance academic achievement, access to learning opportunities, and student success.
• Health & Wellness
  Initiatives that promote physical and mental health, including nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.
• Sports & Recreation
  Programs that use sports as a vehicle for youth development, teamwork, and leadership.

Strong proposals will:

• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and program success
• Serve youth populations in Southern California
• Show clear alignment with one or more priority areas
• Include a detailed project budget and funding plan

Eligible Support Types

• Programmatic funding for established youth programs
• Support for ongoing initiatives with demonstrated success

Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Operate within eligible Southern California counties
• Have a program that has been in existence for at least two years
• Demonstrate proven success and impact
• Request funding that does not exceed 50% of the total project budget

Organizations may receive funding for up to three consecutive years, followed by a required one-year break before reapplying.

Ineligible Requests

The Lakers Youth Foundation does not fund:

• Individuals or private foundations
• Staff salaries or benefits
• Event sponsorships, advertisements, or tables
• Annual giving or capital campaigns
• Religious or political organizations
• Government institutions or schools (public, private, or charter)
• Facility rental costs
• Programs outside of eligible Southern California counties
• Organizations outside the United States

Funding Amounts

• Typical grants range from $1,000 to $20,000
• Applicants must clearly justify the requested amount and provide a detailed budget

Timeline & Review

📅 Quarterly Deadlines:

• March 15
• June 15
• September 15
• December 15

(If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.)

Application Process

Applicants must submit a complete grant application that includes:

• Program description and demonstrated impact
• Detailed project budget and funding sources
• Clear explanation of how funds will be used

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis following each deadline.

Apply / Learn More:

➡️ https://www.nba.com/lakers/community/lakers-youth-foundation-quarterly-grants

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This grant is a strong fit for organizations that:

• Serve youth in Southern California
• Have established, proven programs (2+ years old)
• Focus on education, health, or sports-based development
• Are seeking modest program funding ($1K–$20K)
• Can demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability

The Lakers Youth Foundation is particularly well-suited for nonprofits delivering consistent, community-based impact through youth programming.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Quarterly deadlines
Typical Grant Size: $1,000–$20,000
Match Requirement: Cannot exceed 50% of project budget
Best Suited For: Established youth-serving nonprofits in Southern California

New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.