Grants for Youth Fitness Programs

Youth fitness grants seek to get kids moving.

The U.S. Department of Education states in its introduction to the Carol M. White grant application that health professionals have become increasing concerned over the past decade about exercise and nutrition habits of American youth. It quotes recent studies that show that between 1980 and 2010 the rates of obesity among youth from age 6 to age 17 have almost doubled. Thus, several grant-making organizations have developed grants to help improve fitness among American youth.

Types

The Carol M. White grant originates from the federal government. Government grants often make the largest monetary awards and in the case of the Carol M. White, average awards will be $450,000, as of November 2010. Large, competitive grants such as these also require a great deal of expertise, community collaboration and include extensive reporting requirements. Smaller youth fitness grants are also offered by food companies, sports teams and private foundations.

Sports Corporation Grants

The Finish Line Youth Foundation wants to make a difference in the communities where its employees and customers work and play. The Youth Foundation assists non-profit organizations that provide athletic programs for youth 18 years old and younger with an emphasis on athletic camps that serve disadvantaged or disabled youth. The goal of the programs is to encourage an active lifestyle and teach team-building skills. Nike Foundation funds fitness programs that target adolescent girls. Nike sends Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to registered organizations as grant opportunities arise. It selects agencies from the RFPs and works with the agencies to execute its plan and measure the results.

Food Corporation Grant

General Mills Community Action Council grant applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that operate within 50 miles of a General Mills facility. These grants support groups that have innovative programs enhancing youth nutrition and fitness lifestyles. General Mills also supports programs for education, social services and arts and culture.

Sports Team Grants

Major sports teams may offer grants in the geographic regions. One example is the Atlanta Falcons, which offers grants focusing on reducing childhood obesity by increasing organized physical activity for school-aged children. The Atlanta Falcons Foundation also supports programs in five geographic regions called Fitness Zones, which increase physical activities for young people and has given more than $16 million to Georgia non-profits since 2002.

Private Foundation Grants

Some grants target specific populations. For example, the Rusty Kanokogi Fund for the Advancement of Judo in the United States provides direct financial assistance to aspiring female judo athletes to facilitate its training for higher levels of competition. Awards are given based on talent and financial need.

References

• US Department of Education: Carol M. White Grant Application
• Finish Line Youth Foundation: Grant Review Process Finish Line Youth Foundation: Grant Review Process
• Nike Foundation: Girls-An Unexpected Answer
• General Mills: Apply
• Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation: Youth Foundation Grants
• Rusty Kanokogi Fund for the Advancement of U.S. Judo Grant