Home / Sports / Luka Dončić Launches Stay in Play Grant Program
Luka Dončić Launches Stay in Play Grant Program
19 Aug
Summary
- Luka Dončić Foundation offers grants up to $25,000.
- Program supports athletes aged 12-15 in multiple countries.
- Stay in Play aims to remove financial barriers to sports participation.
The Luka Dončić Foundation has initiated the 'Stay in Play' program, a significant three-year grant initiative aimed at supporting young athletes between the ages of 12 and 15. This program intends to assist at least 77 athletes across various sports, offering grants that can reach up to $25,000, contingent on individual financial needs.
The inspiration for Stay in Play stems from Dončić's personal experiences growing up in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where basketball provided him a crucial outlet. He aims to prevent young athletes from leaving sports due to financial constraints, a situation he finds deeply saddening.
The program is inclusive, covering 176 sports and welcoming applicants from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. Eligibility criteria focus on commitment and need rather than elite skill levels.
Grant funds can be allocated for coaching, equipment, competition travel, and program fees. Applications are open until August 20, 2026, with recipients notified in December. This initiative builds upon the foundation's existing work in youth sports since its launch in December 2024.
