The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative’s (PYSC) work over the past nine years has given us deep insight into the robust youth sport community across our city.
We recognize the diversity of these organizations and have consistently provided resources in the form of training and education, outcome measurement, research, and advocacy for the entire community. Many smaller, community-based organizations often face challenges accessing grants offered by Philadelphia’s foundations and public agencies.
Need help getting ready to submit grant applications? Check out the resources below.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at PYSCFund@pysc.org.
The Fund Initiative
In 2024, PYSC created the Philly Youth Sports Fund to meet the urgent need for resources and support in youth sports. With seed funding from City Council, championed by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, the Fund launched with a call for proposals. Even with minimal promotion, more than 50 organizations applied, showing the clear demand in our community.
After the launch, Mayor Cherelle Parker and her administration stepped in as true champions of youth sports. They invested more than half a million dollars to ensure that the Philly Youth Sports Fund could continue providing grants to grassroots organizations serving Philadelphia’s kids. This commitment is monumental. Mayor Parker’s leadership and her administration’s continued support are the lifeblood of the Fund, making it possible to meet the overwhelming demand from neighborhood programs. Her bold investment is more than financial—it is a powerful statement that Philadelphia’s children deserve safe places to play, mentors to guide them, and opportunities to thrive through sports.
As of 2025, the Fund has received over 200 applications from grassroots youth sports organizations across Philadelphia.
This fund will support:
Community-Based Youth Sports Provider Grant making
Play Space Maintenance Efforts
Emerging Leaders Program
David P. Montgomery Youth Sports Leadership Award
Community-Based Youth Sports Provider Grantmaking
The Philly Youth Sports Fund provides support to small, community-based organizations who are offering sport and physical activity programs to a vulnerable youth population. Grants will be issued through an equitable process with the intent of increasing accessibility to and improving the quality of existing programs. Ideally, providers offer an introductory or “entry-level” recreational component within their programs, so that more young people are able to participate in localized, instructional sports opportunities.
Play Space Maintenance Efforts
Funding the maintenance of play spaces in Philadelphia is essential for equitable access and children's safety. Well-kept play areas provide safe environments for physical activity and social interaction, ensuring all children, regardless of their neighborhood, can enjoy quality recreational facilities. This investment supports the well-being and growth of Philadelphia's youth.
Emerging Leaders Program
Led by PYSC, the Emerging Leaders Program focuses on BIPOC leadership growth through a series of non-profit training sessions. This initiative is committed to small organizations, helping to build and strengthen younger leaders. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of diverse leaders who will guide programs, organizations, and teams supporting young people through sport.
We invite you to help us establish the Philly Youth Sports Fund with a gift that will help us reach our goal.
There are hundreds of youth providers across Philadelphia dedicated to keeping kids safe and engaged through the power of sports. These funds will enable them to maintain low registration fees, provide equipment, and celebrate their participants.