Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation – General Grants Program (2026)
Basketball-Inspired Grants Supporting Youth and Families in Arizona
The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation provides grants to Arizona-based nonprofits using basketball as a platform to strengthen communities and support youth and families. With awards typically ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, this is a strong opportunity for organizations delivering sports-based or youth-focused programming.
Organization: Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation
Support Type: Grants (programmatic funding)
Geographic Focus: Arizona
About the Funder
The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation leverages the power of basketball to bring communities together and create meaningful opportunities for youth. Since its founding, the foundation has distributed over $45 million to nonprofits across Arizona, focusing on equity, access, and community connection.
What This Program Supports
The foundation funds basketball-inspired programs that serve youth and families across Arizona.
Funded programs must:
- Use basketball as a platform for engagement
- Provide meaningful resources and support to communities
- Focus on youth (ages 18 and under) and/or families
- Promote inclusion and community connection
Eligible Support Types
- Programmatic grants for basketball-related initiatives
- Youth development and community-building programs
Eligibility & Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit for at least 3 years
- Serve youth (18 and under) and/or families within Arizona
- Demonstrate financial accountability (Form 990, audited financials, W-9)
- Have a clear non-discrimination policy
- Use basketball as a core component of programming
Additional guidelines:
- Only one application per organization per year (July–June cycle)
- Must serve residents within Arizona
Ineligible Requests
The foundation does not fund:
- National organizations without Arizona chapters
- Political or legislative activities
- Programs outside the U.S.
- Grants to individuals, summer camps, or animal welfare
- Programs that do not incorporate basketball
Funding Amounts
💰 Typical Range: $10,000 – $100,000
📌 Most commonly awarded grants are $10,000–$15,000
Timeline & Review
📅 Rolling, multi-step application process
📅 Review Timeline: Up to 6 months for final decision
Application Steps:
- Eligibility Verification
- Basketball Initiative Overview
- Internal Review (invitation to proceed)
- Full Application + Video Submission
Application / Request Process
Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online portal.
Applicants should:
- Clearly demonstrate how basketball is central to the program
- Highlight measurable outcomes for youth and families
- Prepare for a multi-step process, including a video component
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.nba.com/suns/foundation/grant-application/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Serve youth and families in Arizona
- Use sports (especially basketball) as a core engagement tool
- Can demonstrate measurable community impact
- Are prepared for a more involved, multi-step application process
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Multi-step, highly competitive
Typical Lead Time: Plan 3–6 months ahead
Best Suited For: Arizona nonprofits with sports-based youth programming
New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.
