Baller 21

Sports Organization Grants // Back Your Block

by Chris Harvey on 07/12/09

Nike’s Back Your Block grant program effort “to create a better life through sports” is investing up to $650,000 in grants across the nation to organizations that give back to the community.

Grant Criteria:
~ Applicants must be 501 (c) 3 organizations as classified by the Internal Revenue Service.
~ Applicants must adhere to the Nike giving guidelines
~ Applicants must provide programming that encourages young people (ages 15 to 24) to create a better life through sports
~ Applicants who qualify for the Community Store Grant Program in Portland, Oregon, South Chicago, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisiana may also provide mentoring and/or economic development opportunities.

Types of Grants:

A. Back Your Block National Grant Award recipients will each receive up to $2,500.00 in cash and/or product (Nike gift card) based on the needs of the applicant.

B. Back Your Block Community Store Grant Award recipients will each receive on average $5,000.00. Organization applicants should specify what they would like to receive as the Grant amount might increase or decrease depending on the need in Nike’s sole discretion. Grant will be distributed in the form of a Nike gift card redeemable for Nike brand products or cash.

Steps to Submit Application:

1. Visit www.nikebackyourblock.com to complete and submit the online application form (“application”) as instructed for your non-profit organization based in the United States or Puerto Rico.

2. Community feedback and voting will be a contributing factor in the decision making process. However, the final decisions will be made by the NikeRetail Grant Committee based on the merits of the proposal, the applicants’ impact to the community and the long-term potential of the project. To generate support for your nomination, have friends and family vote for your nomination at www.nikebackyourblock.com. All applications not otherwise disqualified will be posted at the Program website during the Program period for public viewing and voting. Limit of one vote per application per person per day. Voters e-mail addresses will only be used to monitor voting frequency restrictions.

The deadline for applications is August 24, 2009. Must be at least 13 years old to apply.

I hope to apply for a grant, but waiting for 501(c)(3) number from the IRS that should be approved any day now.

Once approved, I’ll need your support for application votes and to help spread the word.

C.Harv