Youth sports is one of the most underfunded corners of youth development. Most education funders skip it entirely, and most sports funders target elite programs. This small foundation funds the opposite end: safe, inclusive athletics for underserved kids.

Amount not published. United States. Rolling, year-round.

sdmrisingyouthathletics.org/apply

Funder profile: kindora.co/funders/874763439

What we know: This is a young, small foundation based in South Carolina with $626K in assets and $165K in lifetime giving across nine grants. Most of its funding has gone to Texas organizations: Southeast Dallas Youth Foundation (three grants, $40K total), St. Philip's School & Community Center ($40K), and Bridge Lacrosse Dallas ($15K). It also funded Alabama Adapted Athletics ($35K), which signals genuine interest in adaptive sports for youth with disabilities.

Realistic fit: small to mid-size youth athletics nonprofits serving underserved communities, particularly in the South or working in adaptive sports.

The foundation says it aims to award at least two grants per year and uses an interview and vetting process focused on safe athletics. With a foundation-wide median grant of $20K and only nine lifetime awards, this is a funder that builds relationships with a handful of grantees rather than distributing widely. If your program aligns with safe, abuse-free youth sports access, the rolling timeline means you can apply when your proposal is ready rather than racing a deadline.

If you know a youth sports nonprofit working with underserved kids or adaptive athletics, especially in the South, send this their way.

Kindora surfaces funder history and grant patterns so nonprofits can assess fit before applying. kindora.co