We aim to inspire a vibrant, youth-led global “Let Me Play” social marketplace* by 2011.
We’re building a social marketplace where innovations are shared, new funds are mobilized and human and social capital is exchanged in support of a global movement based on the power of sport to unleash human potential.

We envision a world where the power of sport builds valuable skills: leadership, conflict resolution, equity and trauma relief.

We work with experienced partners in youth and education to address needs of vulnerable populations.

  1. We link with experts in low-income youth, minorities, young women and youth living in conflict situations.
  2. We’re building networks that include consumer activism, strong research evidence and advocacy to shift policies and funding.
  3. Sport requires access to safe spaces, inspirational coaches and the best classroom curriculum and equipment. This necessitates partnerships between the worlds of sport, youth and education.

We’re tapping Nike innovation to develop a new approach to philanthropy.
We will invest a minimum of $315 million in grants, product donations and in-kind support through 2011 to give excluded youth greater access to sport programs designed to unleash human potential.

In fiscal years 2005 and 2006, Nike contributed more than $100 million in cash and products to nonprofit partners around the world.

Nike’s approach to community investments is pro-active and focused. A significant majority of our investments are targeted toward our Let Me Play work. The remainder goes to support local organizations in our backyards of Portland, Oregon; Memphis, Tennessee; Hilversum, Holland; Laakdal, Belgium and other corporate offices around the world. In addition, we make local Let Me Play grants through our retail organization.

Let Me Play is a targeted effort around the world. We pro-actively seek out key strategic partners around the world to help us drive a three pronged strategy of:

  1. Innovation – We selectively support grassroots programming that demonstrates innovation in leveraging sport as a vehicle for social change.
  2. Skills transfer - We seek out social innovators and social entrepreneurs that are thinking of new models to develop sustained grassroots programming and take best practice to scale. Our goal is to provide them with Nike’s business acumen and build their capacity to succeed.
  3. Scale - We seek partners that will join with us in advocating for shifts in public policy, and open up new channels of funding and other resources for programming and grassroots activities.

Because of this strategy of proactive, long term engagement, it is rare that we will accept un-solicited requests. We do however encourage organizations to share their work with us.  All potential partners are encouraged to participate in the Changemakers “Sport for a Better World” competition as this is a primary mechanism Nike uses to learn more about grassroots innovators using sport as a tool for social change.

In all instances the following guidelines apply to our grant-making.

Nike will not support organizations that discriminate against a person or a group on the basis of age, political affiliation, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

What We Don't Do

In order to maintain focus and achieve greater impact of corporate giving, Nike will not provide charitable support for:

    • Individuals (scholarships, stipends, fellowships, personal assistance);
    • Individual sports teams;
    • For-profit ventures;
    • Religious groups for religious purposes;
    • Capital campaigns, endowment funds or memorials;
    • Lobbying, political or fraternal activities;
    • Team sponsorships;
    • Individual study, research or travel grants; or
    • Awards that require Nike and/or its employees to raise monies on behalf of an organization bestowing the award
    Product Donations

    Nike has built a significant partnership with Mercy Corps, an international Non Governmental Organization delivering development and humanitarian aid around the world.

    Each year, Nike proactively donates product to nonprofit organizations and NGOs dedicated to youth physical activity, and disaster relief efforts around the world.

    Nike will not provide product donations to individual sports teams in order to clearly separate our philanthropy from our marketing efforts.

    What Happens Next?

    Requests for product are received throughout the year. Decisions are made monthly and based upon product availability. Inquiries about status of applications are highly discouraged due to limited staff resources.

    All eligible requests will receive prompt staff review and response. Generally, applicants will be notified of the status of their request within eight weeks.

    Looking for Team Sponsorship?

    Nike receives hundreds of unsolicited requests for sponsorship or marketing-related support each month. These unsolicited proposals are reviewed, but rarely funded.

Grant proposal forms
Click below to download the form:
How To Apply : Cash Grants
How To Apply : Product Grants pdf icon