Sports Wagering Tax Revenues Provide $1,999,909 to Support Youth Sports Across North Carolina During the Inaugural Grant Program
North Carolina Amateur Sports and the State of North Carolina are proud to announce the awarding of the inaugural Youth Sports Grants, providing funding for youth sports equipment and youth facility improvements across all 100 counties in the state. In 2023, House Bill 347 legalized sports wagering in North Carolina, creating grant funds to support youth and collegiate athletics across the state. North Carolina Amateur Sports manages the Youth Sports Grant fund that was created to provide funding for youth sports equipment and upgrades to youth athletic facilities. This fund will annually provide $10,000 in each North Carolina county to support youth sports. A full list of grant recipients is available at ncsports.org/funding/.
Representative Zack Hawkins, a primary sponsor of HB 347, stated, “The money North Carolina has raised from this growing industry has made a positive impact in so many ways. These grants have provided athletics equipment, fields and facilities, and leagues to get our children playing and competing.”
Chuck Hobgood, President of N.C. Amateur Sports, added “Our organization is proud to partner with the State of North Carolina to provide this critical funding for youth sports in all 100 North Carolina counties. We are very grateful that members of the N.C. General Assembly recognized the importance of investing in youth athletics by dedicating a portion of the sports wagering tax revenues to support these programs. This program is expanding opportunities for youth sports in every corner of our state and providing resources that will have a lasting impact on thousands of youth athletes in communities across our state. We know opinions on sports wagering may differ, but everyone can agree that expanding opportunities for youth sports in every North Carolina county is a very positive outcome of the sports wagering legislation.”
The grant cycle for 2025-26 begins October 1, 2025. Visit ncsports.org/funding/ for more information. Eligible applicants include local government agencies, schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
North Carolina Amateur Sports (NCAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that annually organizes the BODYARMOR State Games and Cycle North Carolina. NCAS operates with the goal of promoting health and wellness for all ages and skill levels through organizing best-in-class sporting events that enrich the quality of life and enhance economic well-being of North Carolina communities. NCAS has managed an amateur sports grant fund for the past 36 years providing funding to amateur sports organizations across North Carolina. For more information on NCAS and its events, please visit www.ncsports.org.