Multi-Sport Courts

KABOOM!, a national nonprofit organization committed to ending playspace inequity, offers an opportunity to develop custom-designed Multi-Sport Courts through its Community-Built Playspace grants. Known for their collaborative, hands-on approach, KABOOM! focuses on addressing the unique needs of communities lacking safe and inclusive spaces for youth play, particularly older children who have outgrown traditional playgrounds. These sports courts aim to enhance youth engagement, promote physical activity, and strengthen community cohesion. The Multi-Sport Courts are created using interlocking tiles, allowing for low-maintenance, durable spaces capable of supporting a wide range of sports, including basketball, volleyball, and hockey. This flexibility ensures optimal use of space in areas where resources may be limited. Grantees benefit from a comprehensive design and implementation package, including bespoke amenities and planning guidance from KABOOM!’s dedicated Community Engagement and Build Managers. This ensures that each playspace is not only tailored to community needs but also implemented in a way that fosters collaboration and local pride. The grant program is designed for organizations serving youth from low-income populations that can demonstrate both the need for engaging sports spaces and a commitment to community involvement. Applicants must either own the proposed land site or possess a long-term lease agreement, with permission to construct a court. KABOOM! emphasizes community-driven development, requiring applicants to assemble a volunteer planning committee and mobilize between 125 and 200 community participants for Build Day. Additionally, applicants must handle all site preparation, including creating a flat slab (3,000–3,500 sq.ft.), securing soil tests and permits, and providing on-site support infrastructure such as restrooms, food, and tools during the construction week. While the grant offers substantial support, recipient communities are expected to fundraise a portion of the equipment costs with KABOOM!’s guidance. This fundraising component is framed as a community-building exercise to strengthen local ties and build skills in project planning and resource mobilization. Once completed, the grantee assumes full responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the sports court. The grant’s participatory framework ensures that the project serves as more than just a capital improvement—it becomes a catalyst for sustained community engagement. Application eligibility is limited to specific metropolitan areas within the United States, and applicants are encouraged to verify eligibility through KABOOM!’s online quiz tool. The submission process involves preliminary self-assessment and coordination with KABOOM! staff throughout the planning and build stages. The organization provides extensive support throughout the process, helping grantees navigate fundraising, media outreach, and volunteer mobilization. Although the funder does not disclose a standard award deadline or performance period, this opportunity appears to operate on a recurring basis, with new locations and partners selected regularly. Interested applicants should subscribe to KABOOM!’s newsletter to stay informed of new cycles and regional availability. All communication and application initiation occur via the KABOOM! website. Questions can be directed to the organization's main office at 202.659.0215. The program headquarters is located at 7200 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20814.