Nike Back Your Block - Team up with Nike to improve your community

The deadline for applications is August 24, 2009.

Nike is investing up to $650,000 in grants across the nation to unlock the potential of young people through the power of sports and they need you!

Tell them how your organization is using sports as a tool to change your community for a shot at winning a Back Your Block grant to help take your work to the next level.

• Q: What Back Your Block grant programs are organizations eligible to apply for through this website?

A: There are two programs. The first is the National program that applies to communities near a NikeRetail location. Organizations that fall outside of these areas are eligible to team up with Nikestore.com as their local retailer. The second opportunity is our Community Grant Program that operates through Nike Factory Community Stores in Northeast Portland, South Chicago and New Orleans.

• Q: What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

  A: Eligible parties for the Community Store Grant Program include: non-profit organizations registered 501(c)(3) and schools that contribute to youth and/or women in local communities through sports, education, advocacy and/or mentoring

  The National Grant program is focused on registered 501(c)(3) youth-serving non-profit organizations and schools that impact the community through sports.

  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.

• Q: How many grants will be awarded?

  A: The National Grant Program will provide one grant for up to $2,500 per store location. Nikestore.com will provide more than one grant to organizations that are not located in the immediate vicinity of our stores.

  Community Stores: Portland, New Orleans and South Chicago will provide multiple grants in each market that average $5,000 each.

• Q: What is a Community Store?

  A: Nike Factory Community Stores were established over the past 25 years to revitalize neighborhoods across the country by providing employment opportunities, supporting non-profit organizations and advocating volunteer support and participation. There are three Community Stores in the US currently: Northeast Portland , South Chicago , and New Orleans.

• Q: What is the judging criteria?
  A:

  • Applicants must adhere to the Nike giving guidelines
  • Applicants must provide programming that encourages young people (ages 15 to 24) to create a better life through sports
  • Applicants who qualify for the Community Store Grant Program in Portland, Oregon, South Chicago, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisiana may also provide mentoring and/or economic development opportunities.
  • Applicants must be 501 (c) 3 organizations as classified by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Q: How much will grant recipients receive?

  A: National grant recipients who have applied through either NikeRetail locations or Nikestore.com will receive up to $2500. Grant recipients winners who have applied through Nike Factory Community Stores will receive an average grant of $5000, but must specify their organization’s needs in the application process.

• Q: How will grants be disbursed?

  A: If the products an organization requires are sold by Nike, the winner will receive funds in gift cards to be redeemed at NikeRetail locations or on Nikestore.com. If the products an organization requires are NOT made by Nike, the winner will receive cash for purchase. Check Nikestore.com for product offerings.

• Q: What period of time do the grants cover?

  A: The winning organizations will be notified no later than October 1, 2009. Activities supported by the grant must be completed by May, 30 2010.

• Q: Who do I contact if I have questions? A: Please email questions to backyourblock@nike.com

For more info, visit:

http://www.nikebackyourblock.com/Default.aspx