THSLL News

 Dick’s Sporting Goods announces the launchingSports Matter program!

DICK’S Sporting Goods believes in the importance of youth athletics and have launched the Sports Matter program to address the growing issue of underfunded youth sports teams.  This initiative will raise awareness and match community donations up to $2 million on a new crowdfunding platform to save teams facing financial challenges.

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is an exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities.

Sports Matter is focusing resources on entire teams disappearing or never competing at all due to severe financial challenges.  Additionally, the program aims to strengthen and expand community support for high-quality youth sports available for young people nationwide.

Up to 575 applications will be accepted through March 21 from K-12 teams that have been eliminated, are at risk of elimination, or have never been able to form because of financial limitations.  Teams must be affiliated with a school, nonprofit or youth sports league with 501(c)3 status, and be able to identify a specific fundraising goal needed for the team to play.

The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation is legally obligated to only make grants to Teams associated with tax-exempt entities, so you must be affiliated with a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a public school in order to apply for the Sports Matter Program. If you do not qualify for the Sports Matter program due to this requirement or any of the other eligibility requirements, The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation has other opportunities available to organizations and youth sports programs. To apply for a donation or sponsorship from our Community Program, please visit http://dsgsports.sponsorport.com

Sports Matter involves both crowdfunding and matching grants provided by The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. The crowdfunding aspect of the program is to help Teams activate and energize both current and new Team supporters, which will contribute to the sustainability of their programs. The matching funds will directly support Teams and provide incentive for supporters to donate during the crowdfunding phase in order to double their impact.

Exciting new developments with the Sports Matter program are:

• The opening of the General Fund to help teams that need a boost
• Two TV ads featuring youth athletes Daniel and BD, will soon air on national television
• The program has already received coverage in the Washington Post, Forbes, Ad Age, Variety, and GOOD.is
• We will be taking part in an interactive panel at SxSW (SXSports) on Sports Matter and the need to save youth sports.
  
• Visit the  Sports Matter website and  Apply now or spread the word about the Sports Matter program to eligible teams in your communities.

Thank you for helping us take on this crucial issue.