Luka Dončić Foundation Launches Global Grant Program for Youth Athletes

The foundation is accepting applications from June 24 through August 20, 2026, for candidates in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Dončić’s native Slovenia. The funding is intentionally flexible, covering essential expenses such as coaching fees, equipment, tournament registration, and travel costs across 176 different sports.

Research indicates that youth participation peaks at age 12 before declining sharply due to rising costs rather than a lack of interest. By providing these grants, the foundation aims to bridge the gap during these formative years. Lara Beth Seager, CEO of the Luka Dončić Foundation, emphasized that the initiative focuses on sustaining a child’s passion for their chosen activity, regardless of whether they are on a path toward professional play. This grant program complements the foundation’s ongoing systemic research into youth basketball culture and structural barriers in sports ecosystems.