What is Gear to Grant?

Gear to Grant is a youth sports nonprofit built on a simple belief: every kid deserves the chance to play. We collect donated athletic gear, give it new life, place equipment directly into the hands of kids and programs that need it, and fund Gear Grants that help remove the costs of participation.

We focus on communities where access to sports opportunities may be more limited, including many small-town, rural, and Native communities where barriers to play can be greater.

We believe sports can change lives. They help kids build confidence, make friends, stay healthy and active, learn resilience, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

Through community support and sustainability, we turn unused gear into real opportunity and help keep more kids in the game.

Grants

  • Youth Athlete Application - Link to online application for an athlete, family or coach applying for an individual player.

    Youth Team/Program Application - Link to online application for a coach/organization applying for a team or program.

  • Any youth athlete (grades K–12) who wants to play a sport but needs help with the cost. Coaches and organizations can also apply for an individual, team or program.

  • A grant usually covers team registration fees, uniforms and athletic shoes required for the sport (ice skates, cleats, etc.), and basic equipment. We don’t cover private lessons, travel teams, or luxury gear—just the basics needed to play.

  • Most grants are between $100 and $500. The exact amount depends on what you need and how much funding we have.

  • Gear to Grant pays your team, school, or sports organization directly. The grant goes directly to covering your costs. This ensures transparency, accountability, and that every dollar directly enables access to sports.

  • Youth athletes can apply once per sport season, up to two times a year. Organizations can apply once a year.

  • We collect donated sports gear, sell it at low prices, and use all the proceeds to fund grants. We also get support from donations and local sponsors.

  • Usually at least 2 weeks after you apply. We’ll let you know by email or phone.

  • Only if you want to. We love to share stories about kids we’ve helped, but we always ask first and only use first names. Sharing how Gear to Grant is making a difference helps us thank our donors and inspire more support.

  • We want to make sure every dollar goes to sports. That’s why we pay the team or league directly—it’s simpler, fairer, and makes sure the cost is fully covered.

Donations

  • All proceeds go directly toward helping kids play. We sell donated sports gear at affordable prices and use the money to fund grants that cover team fees, uniforms, and equipment. Every dollar goes to giving kids opportunities.

  • We’ll share collection sites on our website and social media. You can also contact us to arrange a pickup or see if we can set up a collection bin at your business or school.

  • We accept new or gently used sports gear in good, safe condition—cleats, sneakers, jerseys, bats, gloves, soccer balls, basketballs, pads, and more. If you’re not sure, just ask! We’ve also put together a list of items here.

  • We track how proceeds are used and share updates on our website and social media. You may see stories about kids who received grants (with permission). Transparency is important to us, and we want you to see the difference you’re making.

  • Yes! We gratefully accept both gear and financial donations. Gear is resold affordably to raise funds, while direct donations go straight into our grant pool for kids.

  • Not yet. Gear to Grant is a student-led community project and pending 501(c)(3). Every donation still goes 100% toward helping kids. If tax deduction is important, we’re happy to connect you with local nonprofits that can partner with us.

  • No. To keep things simple and fair, Gear to Grant pays schools, leagues, or vendors directly for registration fees, uniforms, or equipment. This way donors know their gift went straight into sports.

  • That’s great! We can connect your gift to a local athlete or team in need. We’ll make sure funds are applied to their registration or equipment costs and can share an update about the impact.

  • Absolutely. Local businesses can host a collection bin, sponsor grants, or help spread the word. We’ll proudly recognize business supporters on our platforms and at events.