National Basketball Players Association Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.8M+ (2021 data)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Rolling basis - varies
• Grant Range: Varies (examples from thousands to hundreds of thousands)
• Geographic Focus: International, with U.S. emphasis

Contact Details

Website: www.nbpafoundation.com
Email: foundation@nbpa.com
Phone: Not publicly listed
Grant Information: www.nbpafoundation.com/grants
Address: 1133 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10036

Overview

The National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation) was established in July 1997 as a 501(c)(3) public charity with approximately $39 million in total assets as of 2023. The foundation highlights and accelerates the collaborative philanthropic work that basketball players do worldwide to build communities and create meaningful change. Through its signature matching grants program, the foundation amplifies player philanthropy by providing matching funds to 501(c)(3) organizations that receive financial support from current or retired NBA players. In 2021, the foundation distributed over $2.8 million in total grants, including $1.5 million in matching player grants partnering with 90 players to support 92 organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Matching Player Grants: Primary program requiring partnership with an NBA player who has donated within previous 12 months. Grant amounts vary widely based on player contribution and foundation evaluation.
• Community Assist Awards: $20,000 grants to player foundations for community service initiatives

Priority Areas

• Youth Sports and Education
• Basketball court renovations
• Social Justice and Civic Engagement (Players' Justice Fund)
• Disaster Relief
• Mental Health initiatives
• Food Security/Childhood Nutrition
• Health and Wellness
• Community Development
• International Development (especially Africa partnership)
• Immigration Services

What They Don't Fund

• Reimbursement of expenses for past programs or events
• Individuals for personal purposes (scholarships, stipends, fellowships)
• Concerts, theater or media performances not connected to current NBPA Foundation grants
• Endowments for colleges and universities
• Operating expenses and ongoing services of hospitals
• Awards requiring NBPA members to raise additional funds

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• Fred VanVleet - President
• Grant Williams - First Vice President
• Andre Iguodala - Director
• Moses Moody - Director (joined July 2025, NBA Champion)
• Santi Aldama - Director (joined July 2025, Memphis Grizzlies)
• Ricky Rubio - Director
• Jalen Rose - Director
• Serge Ibaka - Director
• Chrysa Chin - Director
• Tamika L. Tremaglio - NBPA Executive Director

Executive Leadership:

• Erika Swilley - Executive Director, NBPA Foundation

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Critical Requirement: Organizations must have received financial support from an eligible NBPA member (current or retired NBA player) within the previous 12 months to be eligible.

1. Complete Grant Interest Form on the NBPA Foundation website
2. Attend Grant Orientation (highly recommended) for detailed guidelines and requirements
3. Receive invitation to apply via email from the grant portal following orientation
4. Submit complete application with all required documents including:
   • Organization's W9 to verify nonprofit status
   • Project and organization budgets (Excel preferred)
   • All required supporting documentation as PDF, Word, or Excel

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed on rolling basis with several deadlines throughout the year
• Applications automatically close 12 weeks after being opened
• Board provides final decision following team recommendations
• Notification via email

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. In 2021, the foundation partnered with 90 players and distributed grants to 92 organizations.

Reapplication Policy

• Previous grantees cannot apply for renewal until current grant is closed out with all funds spent and reporting completed
• No public information on reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants

Application Success Factors

• Player Partnership Essential: Must have existing financial support from an NBA player within 12 months - this is not negotiable
• Attend Orientation: Foundation strongly recommends attending to understand specific requirements and evaluation criteria
• Complete Applications Only: Incomplete applications will not be considered submitted - ensure all documents are included
• Clear Alignment: Project must clearly align with at least one NBPAF Funding Pillar
• Strong Operations: Foundation evaluates organizational strength and operations capacity
• Proper Documentation: Use Excel for budgets, ensure current W9, follow submission format requirements
• One Active Grant Rule: Organizations can only have one application/grant active at a time

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a player-matching model - you MUST have an existing NBA player relationship and recent financial support to qualify
• Best strategy is to first cultivate relationships with NBA players whose philanthropic interests align with your mission
• The foundation amplifies player giving through matching, effectively doubling player contributions
• International organizations can qualify through fiscal intermediaries/partners
• Strong preference for organizations with demonstrated player engagement and support
• Applications are invitation-only following orientation attendance
• Focus on youth, education, social justice, and community development yields best alignment

References

• NBPA Foundation Official Website (www.nbpafoundation.com) - Accessed February 2026
• NBPA Foundation Grants Page (www.nbpafoundation.com/grants) - Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 filings for EIN 13-3894132 - Accessed February 2026
• "NBPA Foundation Provides Over $1.5M in Matching Player Grants in 2021" - NBPA Press Release
• "Moses Moody and Santi Aldama Join the NBPA Foundation's Board of Directors" - July 2025 Press Release
• GuideStar Profile for National Basketball Players Association Foundation - Accessed February 2026
• Cause IQ Database Entry for NBPA Foundation - Accessed February 2026