GameChanging Grants

In 2026, sports remain one of the most powerful forces connecting our community—bringing people together, energizing our city, and creating shared moments that matter.

When a child plays a sport, they step into something bigger than themselves. Sports participation builds lifelong healthy habits, but its greatest impact goes far beyond physical activity. Sports create formative, character-shaping experiences that influence who a child becomes—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout life.

Through sports, young people learn essential values: self-respect, discipline, fairness, humility, integrity, perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. These lessons aren’t temporary. They become the building blocks for confident, capable, and connected adults.

In a world that increasingly pulls kids apart, sports still bring them together—and help build better humans along the way.

Apply for Individual Grant
Apply for Team Grant

 FAQ’s

  • GameChanging Grants are designed to help children and youth who face financial barriers to participating in sports or physical activity.

    Eligibility is typically determined through trusted referral partners—such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, schools, community organizations, coaches, or mentors—who know the child and family and can verify need. Priority is given to kids who would otherwise be unable to play due to cost.

  • Yes. GameChanging Grants are microgrants, intended to remove immediate barriers—not fully fund long-term participation.

    • Grants generally cover items like registration fees, equipment, uniforms, shoes, or short-term program costs

    • Funding amounts are capped and vary based on need, available funds, and demand

    • In most cases, a child may receive one grant per calendar year, unless special circumstances are approved

    • Grants are awarded based on available funding and verified need

  • Our goal is to move quickly.

    Once a complete request is submitted through a partner organization, most decisions are made within 1–2 days. Timeframes may vary depending on urgency, documentation needed, and current grant volume.

  • If approved, ShareWaves works directly with the partner organization, program, or vendor to ensure funds are used exactly as intended.

    In most cases:

    • Payments are made directly to leagues, programs, or vendors

    • Occasionally, reimbursement may be approved with documentation

    • Families are kept informed through their referring partner

    Our priority is making the process simple, dignified, and fast for families.

  • Grant recipients are identified through trusted community partners who understand each child’s situation and can confirm eligibility.

    Selection is based on:

    • Financial need

    • Immediate impact (will this grant allow the child to play?)

    • Alignment with our mission to expand access to play

    • Availability of funds at the time of request

    We do not use a competitive scoring system—this is about access, not applications.